“As we look toward the 20th anniversary of normalized relations, we have a unique opportunity to deepen our comprehensive partnership in ways that will make it last,” said new US Ambassador to Vietnam at a swearing-in ceremony in Washington DC.

VietNamNet Bridge – Illegal logging in the Hoang Lien – Van Ban national sanctuary in the north is now being conducted underground after local authorities launched campaigns to track down the criminals.

 VietNamNet Bridge – By ratifying the revised Housing Law, allowing foreigners to buy houses in Vietnam, the National Assembly has helped the rich in Vietnam, which will in turn receive big benefits.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Of all the feudal monuments and sites that visitors to Hue get to enjoy, the most prominent and familiar ones are those that reflect the glory of the Nguyen Dynasty

 Scientists have created a chemical that can be added to food to make people feel full. Initial tests showed it helped people to eat less and slow weight gain.

VietNamNet Bridge - The biggest risk for Vietnamese rice growers is not the weather or the market but policies, from exchange rate policy to tax policy to a range of other policies.

 The total assets of the banking industry reached VND6,174 trillion (US$291.22 billion) by the end of October, according to statistics provided by the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV).

 VietNamNet Bridge – The collection by the runner-up of the Design Star 2013 competition was launched in Hanoi on the evening of December 9. Most of the designs are evening gowns and work dresses, in the three major colors of metallic, black and red.

Crackdown on smugglers creates border control turmoil; Miracle baby grows well; Vietnamese migrant worker seeks escape from Saudi Arabia; Ha Noi to tighten bus controls for Tet season; Two arrested for trading in stolen fuel

Vietsovpetrol revenue forecast to reach US$4.34 billion;  Weak competitiveness puts Vietnamese businesses in challenges from AEC; Vinalines raises VND315 billion from share auction; Google to meet local app developers

Concerns about the inflow of outdated equipment into Vietnam were raised at a press conference held by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment on Tuesday after the suspension of Circular 20, which prevented the import of used equipment.

Hai Quan newspaper has quoted foreign sources who say that Thailand will sell both newly harvested and inventoried rice at low prices. This will create challenges for Vietnam, which competes with other rice exporters by offering low prices.

 Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun a visit to India, where he is due to seek lucrative energy deals.

  VietNamNet Bridge – Miss Vietnam 2008 Thuy Dung used scarves or her hands to cover her chest while wearing designs by Hung Viet at the Vietnam Spring-Summer Fashion Week 2015 in Hanoi on December 8.

Scientists have clashed over claims that sugar may be worse for blood pressure and heart health than salt.

 Make-up melee mars Miss Vietnam 2014; Expat theatre group presents Snow White; Asian jazz orchestra seeks recruits; German duo play three roles in City; Kilomet 109 to launch sustainable designs

VietNamNet Bridge – Oil & gas companies have seen their stock prices plummeting as oil prices have dropped.

 A French air force jet has crashed into a home for disabled people in central France, killing one person and leaving several others injured, one seriously.

 Several Vietnamese writers are considering legal action against Vietnam Education Publishing House for using their work without permission.

 The Government has issued a resolution on some measures to boost tourism development in the new period.