Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has applauded the joint efforts to ensure a happy and safe Tet for everyone at a February 24 cabinet meeting in Hanoi.

 Several artists will perform traditional music in three French cities - Paris, Marseilles and Bordeaux - to celebrate the overseas Vietnamese community and the French during the lunar new year festival.

The media outlets must understand their position, role and mission in preparation for disseminating socio-economic tasks and covering major events this year.

 A brighter outlook is forecast for the Vietnamese economy in 2015 and the following years amid difficulties and challenges, according to economic expert Nguyen Minh Phong.

Daniel Toohey, 31, an Australian tourist, was chosen to carry the 6m-long firecracker at the spring festival of the Dong Ky Village, Bac Ninh Province.

 Tens of thousands of monks, nuns and Buddhist followers from across the nation have begun the annual spring pilgrimage to the Bai Dinh pagoda at Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district in the northern province of Ninh Binh.

VietNamNet Bridge – Have you ever been to a museum showcasing gigantic skeletons of whales?

 Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga has reaffirmed the nation’s strong commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter at an open debate of the Security Council on February 23.

 Since 1993 the Rencontres du Vietnam (Meet Vietnam) science and education foundation has organised numerous international conferences aimed at helping young scientists establish contacts with international colleagues.

 Eating peanut products as a baby dramatically cuts the risk of allergy, a study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests.

 VietNamNet Bridge - Hundreds of poor women soak their bodies in brackish water all day long to catch clams.

VietNamNet Bridge – A recent report by the Viet Nam e-Commerce Association revealed growing disparity in e-commerce development among provinces and cities, and urged the Government to implement policies

 Indonesia and the Philippines possess enormous development potential for Vietnamese start-ups, said guest speakers at the recent Start-ups 2015 conference held in Hanoi.

Chef of Hanoi’s Fortuna Hotel, Kenji Tam, who has been recently awarded first prize at ‘The Best Taste’ contest, presented a set of three dishes, inspired by the atmosphere of Tet in Vietnam.

 Three students go missing off Quang Ngai; Fire destroys market kiosks in Hai Duong; 46 hospitalised after being injured by fireworks; Nine Vietnamese fishermen rescued off Vung Tau coast; HCM City exhibits model locomotive

Vietnamese photographer listed in famous photo book; Spring festivals draw visitors to Bac Ninh; Longest-ever Tet cake made; 200 artists featured on DVD for Lunar New Year; Int’l poets to join Vietnam festival

 Space remains for local retailers in domestic market; FTAs provide plentiful opportunities for agriculture; Companies to battle for top talents in 2015; Vietnam-UK trade slightly decreases in 2014; Cashew crop sets record

Celebrating the Year of the Goat, Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh shared his thoughts on the momentous year ahead as Vietnam readies for AEC and global economic integration.

Amid cheers from other visitors and family members of local resident Nguyen Thi Huong, Swedish tourist Bjorn Emmerik could not help but feel embarrassed while trying to wrap a piece of Banh Tet, just three days ahead of the Lunar New Year.

VietNamNet Bridge – The Foreign Investment Agency has estimated the number of offshore projects to be licensed for local enterprises this year at around 150, and registered capital for fresh and operational projects at US$1.5-2 billion.