VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese tourist arrivals in Tokyo and Japan as a whole have grown steadily. Last year, 124,000 Vietnamese visited Japan, up a staggering 50% against the previous year.

 US President Barack Obama plans to close a tax loophole that allows US firms to avoid paying taxes on overseas profits, the White House says.

 The State Bank of Viet Nam has submitted a credit package worth of VND50 trillion (US$2.3 billion) to support the local commercial housing market during its recovery period.

 Banking shares were the most influential group of stocks in the market last week due to the impact of the regulation, Circular 36.

  A Ha Noi Transport Department official denied a report in Ha Noi Moi (New Ha Noi) newspaper that the department wasted VND24 billion (US$120,000) on removing concrete dividers from streets.

 The Agriculture Ministry has requested authorities in Quang Ninh Province to instruct all relevant agencies to move maltreated bears from local farms to a rescue centre.

 Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has urged authorities in Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Lai Chau and Cao Bang to take prompt measures and investigate the series of accidents that occurred in these provinces on Friday that killed at least 13 people.

 A rule that bars karaoke parlours and discotheques from installing exit doors and alarm systems is among those that need to be changed while ensuring stricter management of such establishments, officials say.

 The central city of Hoi An plans to attract around 2 million visitors, including more than 1 million foreigners this year.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Artist Kim Jung-hyun depicts her emotions in self-portraits, which she is showcasing at an exhibition held in Ha Noi until February 14.

 A workshop was held in central Da Nang city on January 31 to launch the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship (MOSWC) 2015.

 The 2015 Olympic Run Day will take place in public areas nationwide on March 22 to promote an active lifestyle, according to the General Department for Sports and Physical Training.

 Head of the Viet Nam Sports Administration Vuong Bich Thang said that up to 60 sportspersons will receive special support to win at upcoming international competitions.

Public Security Minister welcomes US, UN officials; Meetings abroad observe Party’s founding anniversary; Vietnam, Laos step up inspection work; Vietnam-Czech, Slovakia relations reviewed; Vietnam-Russia diplomatic ties marked in HCM City

 The newly built passenger terminal of Vinh Airport in central Nghe An province officially opened for business on January 31.

 Another direct air route linking Russia’s capital city of Moscow and Vietnam’s central coastal province of Khanh Hoa commenced operations with its first flight landing at Cam Ranh International Airport on February 1. 

Vietnam has become China’s second largest ASEAN trade partner in 2014, only after Malaysia, the China-ASEAN Business Council (CABC)’s report revealed on January 30. 

VietNamNet Bridge – Advertising firms are again complaining that the advertising law is a “step back” in the process of administrative reform.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Nguyen Thi Thanh An will be Viet Nam's sole representative in the upcoming World Women's Chess Championship to be held in Sochi, Russia from March 16 to April 7.

 Analysing a famous painting of the Vietnamese Communist Party's founders sheds light on the historical record. Lady Borton reports.