VietNamNet Bridge – Disaster recovery in APEC economies is as important as disaster preparation and response, the co-chair of the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG),

Ha Noi People’s Court yesterday opened legal proceedings against a criminal case regarding an illegal virtual gold trading floor. The case involves top managers of the Ha Noi-based Khai Thai Consultant Limited Company.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has proposed major incentives including prolonged income tax exemptions for businesses and individuals working in special economic zones in three provinces.

 Belgian biscuit maker Lotus Bakeries said it had recalled some of its products in Belgium as they could contain eggs that were contaminated with insecticide fipronil.

 Four men accused of being members of an Islamist cell behind a van attack that killed 13 people in Barcelona last week appeared in court on Tuesday, a day after the alleged driver was shot dead by police.

 An earthquake hit the tourist-packed Italian holiday island of Ischia on Monday night, collapsing buildings, killing at least two people and injuring dozens, 

Local enterprises are spending around 28.6 million working days valued at VNĐ14.3 trillion (US$636 million) a year to complete administrative procedures for special inspections on imported and exported goods.

The Government Office last week sent a written document to the central bank governor, referring to the mobilisation of idle gold and foreign currency sources from the people.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The biggest and most comprehensive-ever book collection on the history of Viet Nam has just hit bookcases throughout the country.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s official visit to Indonesia from August 22-24 will help consolidate friendship and boost co-operation, deepening the two countries’ strategic partnership. 

 VietNamNet Bridge – Museums in HCM City will use 3D technology as part of a project launched by the Youth Union’s Youth Centre of Science and Technology Development.

Viet Nam’s benchmark VN Index remained fragile on Monday, losing its positive momentum as investors remained cautious over the current market downtrend.

Nine Vietnamese fishermen who were arrested by Thai coast guards for fishing illegally in Thai waters were handed back to the Vietnam Embassy on August 21 after being held for a year.

Uber Vietnam’s representative said that its taxi brand UberX will raise fares in Ho Chi Minh City from August 24, closing up with traditional taxi fares.

Thanh Thanh Cong Tay Ninh Joint Stock Company (TTCS) will fully acquire Bien Hoa Sugar Joint Stock Company (JSC), becoming in the process the biggest sugar producer in Viet Nam.

Foreign workers in Vietnam can apply for work permits online from October 2, according to a circular recently issued by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA).

 VietNamNet Bridge – Thuong Nhat Co. Ltd. on Monday started the first public river bus route in HCM City.

Dang Van Thanh lost in the battle for control over Sacombank five years ago, but he has returned to business and is prospering. However, the former winner in the bank battle – Tram Be – has been sentenced to prison.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Karate is back in the SEA Games this August, following its absence in Singapore two years ago.

 Thousands of local and foreign tourists flocked to Bui Vien Walking Street in the popular backpacker area of HCM City’s District 1 as it officially welcomed walkers at its grand opening on August 20’s night.