The sharp ruble depreciation, plus the trade embargo imposed by the US and Europe, is expected to help Vietnam boost exports to Russia. However, there are still many barriers to enter the market.

 A competition entitled “Environment and Social Responsible Tourism” was launched on January 9 for students of more than 2,500 high schools nationwide.

 The Prime Minister agreed to establish three corporations under the Vietnam Post and Telecom Group (VNPT), according to the Government Office.

 A new circular that will change area codes in 59 provinces and cities starting March 1 has caused headaches for companies.

The Ministry of Information and Communications has approved MobiFone’s request to add the number “1” after the 090 and 093 prefixes, resulting in an additional 2 million 10-digit numbers being provided to the domestic market.

 The 2014 season officially wrapped up with a host of memorable highlights for Vietnamese football, both positive and negative. Let’s take a look back at the major talking points of national football in 2014.

 The Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) cast a vote of confidence on members of its Politburo and Secretariat on January 10 during its ongoing 10th meeting.

 The Prime Minister on January 9 issued a directive calling on the entire political system, agencies at all levels and the masses to join efforts to manage and safeguard the nation’s territorial sovereignty and border security.

Pham Trung Tuan, a freelance painter, has developed his vegetable garden at his home in a small alley of Cau Giay street in Hanoi. All the vegetables are grown with recycled waste products.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, the biggest shareholder of Berli Jucker Group, may not be able to buy Metro Cash & Carry Vietnam as planned because the group’s shareholders have opposed the deal.

 VietNamNet Bridge - Finding a place in supermarkets is increasingly difficult so Vietnamese producers have to strengthen distribution channels at traditional markets and rural markets.

Getting a university education was once the dream cherished by all Vietnamese high school students. However, a bachelor’s degree has lost some of its value in the country.

 VietNamNet Bridge – On the way to the upland resort town of Tam Dao in the northern province of Vinh Phuc, tourists are advised to drop by Tay Thien, which is seen as a major site for Buddhist pilgrims and non- Buddhist visitors as well.

The Ministry of Transport has revoked the air transport licence of Air Mekong as the private airline has failed to submit a plan for restructuring its business, Tuoitre.vn reported.

The Vietnamese people at times are proud when they talk about the country’s number of luxury cars – an indicator of the dissipation of the rich in Vietnam and they do not forget to comment further, "Who says Vietnamese people are poor?”

 VietNamNet Bridge – The number of securities companies in Viet Nam reduced by more than 20 per cent in 2014, announced the State Securities Commission of Viet Nam (SSC).

 VietNamNet Bridge – It was about 10am at the Muong Cha Commune clinic. A man entered the clinic and came out with a dosage of methadone.

VN-Index soars to 8-month high; Banking sector's assets climb; UPS launches worldwide express freight in Vietnam; New HCM City system to process investment certificates; Binh Dinh Province set for USD22bn mega oil complex

VietNamNet Bridge – HCM City has devised several solutions to adapt to global warming and achieve green growth and sustainable development by 2020, including a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 2 to 3 per cent per year.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The idea of dropping the Tet bonus and improving worker welfare faces strong opposition from employees as the holiday is approaching.