Illegal coaches and bus services can be seen cruising the streets and flouting all rules as the demand for commuting options increases in the run-up to New Year and Tết (Lunar New Year).

 As the HIV response is being integrated into the general healthcare system, raising awareness of healthcare workers is important in addressing discrimination and stigma.

 A workshop, themed “intelligence security in the smart connected world”, opened in Hanoi on December 1, as part of activities marking the Vietnam Information Security Day 2017 event.

Hai Phong-based Mai Van Phan has become the second poet from Vietnam to win the prestigious Cikada Prize.

 Vietnam has implemented a wide range of policies to preserve and promote cultural diversity among ethnic groups, considering it an extremely important factor to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development.

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired the government’s regular meeting in Hanoi on December 1, during which he urged cabinet members to well perform their promises to the National Assembly and voters as well as the NA’s resolutions.

 Immigration New Zealand has announced that three Vietnamese sailors who had been detained by New Zealand authorities while being on board a Korean ship did not violate the law and are in good health condition.

 A national-scale painting contest organised by the Danish Embassy in Vietnam awarded winners at a ceremony in Hanoi on December 1.

 The out-going Ambassador of South Africa to Vietnam Kgomotso Ruth Magau has been honoured with the “For Peace and Friendship among Nations” insignia of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) at the end of her term in Vietnam. 

 Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Phung Quoc Hien called on Vietnam’s NA and Canada’s parliament to increase their exchange of delegations and law-making experience.

 Shares rose on both local markets on December 1 following a deal between OPEC and non-OPEC exporters on extended oil output cuts and expectations for good fourth-quarter earnings reports.

 Citizens of additional six countries can now apply for and receive Vietnamese e-visas.

 Minister of Public Security To Lam presented the Friendship Order, a noble distinction of the Vietnamese State, to two leaders of the Federal Security Service of Russia at a ceremony in Moscow on December 1. 

 The trial of Vietnamese citizen Doan Thi Huong and Indonesian citizen Siti Aisyah, the suspects in the murder of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) national Kim Chol, will continue in January next year.

 Vietnam recorded average forestry production value growth of 6 percent per year, nearly doubling the target of the national forestry development strategy following 10 years of implementation.

VietNamNet Bridge - An unprofessional way of doing business and bad management skills have led to problems for street food chains after short periods of operation.

About 580 people with mental illnesses are living in the care of a centre for mental health in Hanoi.

 Vietnam is taking urgent action to ensure food security against the negative effects of climate change, which has resulted in heat waves, forest fires, floods and sea level rise in recent years.

Despite advantages in capital and experience, foreign-invested securities companies still are finding it difficult to cement their positions in the fledgling stock market.

 After a casino decree was issued earlier this year, a corresponding circular has recently been released to guide casino operators in their implementation, considering factors such as taxation, regulatory oversight, and the allowance local gamblers.