World demand for rice increases, but Vietnam doesn’t have rice to sell

VietNamNet Bridge – Some countries are ready to purchase rice at high prices. However, Vietnamese exporters have no more rice to sell.

Millions take part in quake drill in U.S. State of California

A massive drill aimed at enhancing the preparedness for a possible major quake took place in California on Thursday, with the participation of millions of residents from across the state.

Pilgrimage to Cau Mountain

VietNamNet Bridge – The traditional practice of taking pilgrimages in Vietnam has become a popular tourism product. The stillness of sacred places brings the focus back to the rudiments of life, . . .

POLITICS IN BRIEF 22/10

State Vice President Doan arrives in Switzerland; PM receives RoK gender equality minister; Russia, Vietnam strengthen strategic partnership; Filipino President to visit; PM welcomes head of US Foreign Relations group

SOCIETY IN BRIEF 22/10

Journalist to be prosecuted; Viet Nam, EU exchange views on human rights; $8.2m-link road to be built; Vietnam listed among nations hardest hit by climate change; VietnamPlus, Siemens announce green-tech award

WTO begins hearing Vietnam’s shrimp lawsuit

The World Trade Organisation on Wednesday began adjudicating the case involving Viet Nam's suit against the US for imposing anti-dumping duties on frozen shrimp imported from Viet Nam.

IMF sees Asia continuing to lead global recovery

Asia remains firmly in the lead of the global economic recovery and strong growth in the region is set to continue, according to a report released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Thursday.

NATO chief says Macedonia talks to start once name dispute ends

Deliberations on Macedonia's membership in NATO can start once its name dispute with Greece is resolved, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Thursday during a one-day visit here.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 22/10

Indexes differentiate on two bourses; Banks cut deposit interest rates but boost promotions; Brokers to offer portfolio management

Experts dismiss survey on online games

VietNamNet Bridge - A survey by the Vietnamese Academy of Social Science which found most online game players claiming that their habit does not negatively affect their behavior has come in for widespread criticism.

Floods, landslides as illegal sand miners erode central region rivers

VietNamNet Bridge - Many rivers in the central region are overflowing and causing floods as rampant mining of sand has from stripped their banks clean.

Vietnam’s ambitious plan to become an IT power

The Prime Minister has approved the information technology (IT) development plan, under which IT will see the annual growth rate 2-3 times higher than the GDP growth rate

V1000 shows it’s the right time to restructure national economy

Many conclusions can be drawn from the V1000 ranking – the list of 1000 Vietnamese big corporate tax payers released by Vietnam Report and VietNamNet.

NA Deputy asks for government’s commitment to bauxite mining safety

VietNamNet Bridge – Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Defence and Security Le Quang Binh has asked the government express a commitment on the safety of bauxite projects for the people.

Vinacomin: only earthquake can break red-mud reservoir in Central Highlands

Vinacomin has reaffirmed after his visit to the Central Highlands to again survey the site for bauxite project that only an earthquake can break the red-mud reservoirs here.

Hill station blend of old, new

VietNamNet Bridge – Nestled high up in northern province of the Vinh Phuc, Tam Dao is perhaps the perfect respite from the heat and humidity of Ha Noi.

Expert: in regulating exchange rate, breaking words is taboo

It is necessary to take measures to attract dollars into banks, while the cash outflow from banks also needs to go through smoothly.

Photo: Vietnam Airlines airplane on ‘surgical table’

Vietnam Airlines periodically conducts maintenance of its aircrafts under strict procedures to avoid incidents. Let’s see how it maintains a Boeing 777 with VietNamNet’s Pham Tuan.

What do students do during internship?

Many university students complain that they do not have the opportunities to gain practical experience within companies and that they are not welcomed there.

HCM City to fight rising levels of pollution

VietNamNet Bridge – City authorities have urged local agencies to work more closely with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to curb the rising levels of air and water pollution in HCM City.

Popular singers become "Agent Orange" Ambassadors

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese amateur and professional composers nationwide have been invited to join a song writing contest about Agent Orange.

Huge choir for Ha Noi's largest concert

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese and International artists will perform Gustav Mahler's Symphony No 8 in the country's largest ever concert tomorrow, Oct 23, in Ha Noi.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT IN BRIEF 22/10

Holland Village opens in HCM City Park today; Statues of former State leaders on display in HCM City; Touch of French food and culture in HCM City

Drug manufacturer fined $2,500 for medical fraud

VietNamNet Bridge – The Ha Tay Pharmaceutical Joint-stock Company (Hataphar) has been reportedly fined VND50 million (US$2,500) for letting another company produce poor quality medicine under its brand name.

Children's well-being targeted

VietNamNet Bridge – HCM City had earmarked VND52 billion (US$2.7 million) for implementing a 10 year (2011-2020) action programme for children, a senior official said yesterday, Oct 21.