VietNamNet Bridge - The year 2017 saw a number of foreign investors leaving their Vietnamese partners and divesting from banks they once made every effort to develop.

To promote and preserve the clarity and purity of Vietnamese language, a literature teacher and some high school students in HCM City have started a project to encourage people to use proper Vietnamese.

 The Mirror House in Thong Nhat Park is a place closely related to the childhood memories of most 7x and 8x generations in Hanoi. The Mirror House was built by the Czechoslovakian Government in 1979.

 LBTQ women participate in workshop to raise awareness, Tet ornamental trees hit HCMC streets, Australia, VN launch 45th anniversary celebration, Fake MSG production ring busted in Ha Tinh, Winners of traffic safety slogan contest announced

Vietnam has become an attractive Asian destination for international cruise ships, with more than 400 cruise ships arriving last year, according to data of the Cruise Lines International Association.

 Following are a couple of weekend destinations which might be of interest to visitors during the weekend break.

 The Prime Minister has decided to remove Ngo Van Tuan from the post of vice chairman of the north-central province of Thanh Hoa in the 2016-2021 tenure for his severe violations of rules.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue taking trade remedies in line with regulations of WTO and free trade agreements to protect local steel producers from the fierce competition of imported products.

Vietnam’s tourism sector posted a record number of 12.9 million international arrivals in 2017, an increase of 29.1% from 2016. Visitors from China rose by 48.6%; the Republic of Korea, 56.4%; Russia, 32.3%; and African countries, 25.6%.

 Northwestern province promoting its culture and tourism offerings around Hoan Kiem Lake from January 19 to 21.

The 20km long Hai Van Pass traverses the Truong Son Mountain range as it descends to the sea.The stunning views from Hai Van Pass attract a large number of foreign and local visitors.

 Visitors to Ha Long will be able to enjoy the natural wonders of the world recreated in fresh flower displays at the flower festival in Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province from January 27 to February 20.

The first 2kmof the 20km metro line No 1 rail track stretching from Ben Thanh market to Suoi Tien Theme Park in HCM City has been installed.

Vietnam spent in excess of US$2.82 billion importing pharmaceuticals for medical treatment and health care last year, up 10% on a year earlier at US$ 2.563 billion.

After enjoying a 'honeymoon' of numerous attractive incentives for a short time, drivers of both Grab and Uber are taking to the streets to protest against both Uber and Grab increasing commissions and cutting allowances.

In a bid to create a more business-friendly climate and attract more investment, the Vietnamese government will continue truncating thousands of business and investment procedures, which have been undermining investors’ and enterprises’ performance.

In the face of rapid expansion of well-known brands, less strong brands such as Suzuki, Piaggio, SYM and Kymco are targeting niche markets to improve sales.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Many street cleaners in HCM City have quit their jobs because of the hard work - and wages and bonuses that tend to decline year-by-year, 

An exhibition entitled Ever Shining Faith opened yesterday in Hanoi featuring revolutionary heroes such as Nguyen Duc Canh, Tran Phu, Le Hong Phong, Ha Huy Tap and Nguyen Van Cu.

 A restaurant in HCM City’s Thu Duc District has used a robot to serve customers.