The Government has issued Decree 153 to increase regional minimum wages to VND2.58-3.75 million (US$115-167) a month from January 1, 2017 for workers with labor contracts.

 VietNamNet Bridge – A lot of struggling rice exporters could go out of business if a Government decree on rice export conditions is upgraded into law.

 The VMG Media JSC has decided to sell its 62.25 per cent holding in the VNPT Electronic Payment JSC (VNPT Epay) to South Korea’s UTC Investment Co.

 The 26th workshop on managing potential conflicts in the East Sea took place from November 15-17 in Bandung, Indonesia.

 Vietnamese top swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien entered the final of women’s 200 m freestyle at the Asian Swimming Championship 2016 in Japan on November 18.

 Indonesian airline giant PT Lion Mentari Airlines (Lion Air) is currently negotiating a joint operation with a Vietnamese partner, and signed a memorandum of understanding on November 15 in Jakarta, said Edward Sirait, President Director at Lion Air.

 President of the Korea Football Association (KFA) Chung Mong Gyu pledged his association will foster cooperation with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and aid Vietnam’s preparations for the U20 World Cup in the Republic of Korea next year. 

 Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of over 3.3 billion USD from January to October with foreign direct investment (FDI) companies continuing to outpace domestic firms in export revenue, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs. 

President Tran Dai Quang, his spouse and the high-ranking delegation of Vietnam arrived in Lima, Peru, on November 18 morning (Hanoi time) to attend the 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Week.

VietNamNet Bridge - There are now more and more foreign-style cafes and fast-food restaurants that attract youth and travelers in Hanoi.

Germany's Justice Minister says he believes Facebook Inc. should be treated like a media company rather than a technology platform, suggesting he favors moves to make social media groups criminally liable for failing to remove hate speech.

VietNamNet Bridge – Investing VND20,000 billion (nearly $1 billion) in the southern area of Phu Quoc, Sun Group has not only created a resort paradise here but also helped wake up the hidden potential of the pearl island.

 Vietnam will continue cooperating with the new US government, towards strengthening the comprehensive partnership in a practical, long-term and sustainable manner, said Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh.

 Vietnam and Cuba have renewed their determination to continue deepening their friendship, solidarity, brotherhood, trust and comprehensive cooperation in service of the respective countries’ nation-building and defence.

VietNamNet Bridge - US President-elect Donald Trump is opposed to the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. Will this affect Vietnam’s textile and garment exports to the US?

 VietNamNet Bridge – For the first time, movie buffs in Ha Noi and HCM City will have a chance to sample Danish cinema at a film event, starting this weekend.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Local authorities should get more involved and significantly improve their management of environmental issues,

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam needs VND25 trillion (US$1.1 billion) to repair expected damage by El Nino during the 2016-20 period, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viettel Group’s is likely to achieve its ex-Viet Nam revenue target of US$1.5 billion this year, thanks to a sudden spurt in sales in some of its new markets.

Problems arise in Habeco stake sale talks, Former CEO of PVTex suspended, HDBank supports Ariyana buyers, Hanoi tells firms to pay tax debt, Shrimp quality still big issue, Central bank treasury bills coupon hits 3%