VietNamNet Bridge - The pepper output and inventory level around the world is on the rise, while emerging export countries are trying to expand growing areas and increase exports at competitive prices, putting pressure on Vietnamese farmers. 

Widespread water pollution nationwide has inflicted an estimated economic loss of VND11.6 trillion (US$510.7 million) in the last ten years and the situation is not getting better, 

 VietNamNet Bridge – To celebrate the new year 2018, Urban Sketchers Hanoi group is going to organize a sketching exhibition about Hanoi, with the objective to collect 1,000 sketches for this event.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Around 50 per cent of HCM City’s 22 pedestrian bridges are underused because of inconvenient locations and the typical habits of local residents, 

Volume passes annual target in November, in a year when rice exports were widely expected to struggle.

 Dong Nai attracts $1.3 billion FDI in 2017, Boosting industry via M&As, Formosa to pour additional $250 million into Vietnam factory, Vietnamese orchid farmer thrives on arid land, Dong Nai attracts $1.3 billion FDI in 2017

 Vietnam holds art performance in Sydney, HCM City willing to cooperate with Moroccan localities: official, 84 women in Dong Thap awarded with “Heroic Mother” title, Vietnam increases grassroots health care services

 Authorities in central Hà Tĩnh Province on December 20 stopped the illegal burning of frozen contaminated fish by a local company.

 Many schools in the mountainous areas in the central region have closed as the temperature dropped to 4 degrees.

 Some 4-8 million Vietnamese people are suffering from xerophthalmia – a progressive eye disease caused by vitamin A deficiency that can dry out tear ducts and eyes.

 Travellers to the Mekong Delta should visit Tra Su cajuput forest in An Giang Province to enjoy its beautiful landscapes and serenity.

 Kien Giang players won the women’s doubles title at the National Best Tennis Players Tournament, Vietravel Cup 2017.  

 The Transport Corporation Hanoi  (Transerco) on Thursday introduced two new bus routes to strengthen links with suburban areas.

 A worker died after an antenna tower in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long collapsed on Thursday.

 The General Department of Land Management under the Ministry of National Resources and Environment has decided to launch an inspection into land management and usage in five provinces and cities in 2018, Youth newspaper reports.

 The United Nations (UN) should build a long-term and comprehensive strategy to prevent conflicts and maintain global peace, said Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN. 

Up to 76 foreign investors were granted stock certificates by HCM City Development Bank (HDBank) at a ceremony held at the bank’s head office on Thursday.

VietNamNet Bridge - Amazon is pursuing a two-step strategy to enter the Vietnamese e-commerce market. 

 Maximum credit growth this year is forecast to be just 18-19 per cent, meaning that the banking system will not use up the increased room of 21 per cent.

 Vietnam’s exports are expected to reach more than US$212 billion for the first time this year, much higher than the $176 billion recorded last year.