Independent experts urged US regulators to reduce restrictions on GlaxoSmithKline's controversial diabetes drug Avandia, banned in Europe over heart attack risk concerns.

Each trans-Indochina trip of people of Hong Da village takes at least 20 days or a month-long to purchase hair. Each trip they collect several dozens of kilograms of beautiful hair, earning tens of millions dong of profit.

 Banks offer $1.4b housing loans deal; HSBC lowers 2013 Vietnam forecast; Consumer confidence index surges; VND20 tril. G-bonds mobilized in May; Cooperative bank of Vietnam set up

 VietNamNet Bridge - It is expected that the Tan Rai bauxite consortium will be officially handed over to the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Group (Vinacomin) in September after a trial period.

Vietnamese property investors seem to be more confident in engaging in merger and acquisitions (M&A) in golf courses as some foreign companies facing financial difficulties in their developed nations are opting out of the sector.

A Phu Tho province’s official has confirmed that the “strange rock” was moved out of the Hung Kings Temple. However, some scientists have voiced a concern that the stone is a bad amulet that can affect the sacred temple.

Black bean beetles have become a disaster for people in Hoa Binh commune in the Central Highlands city of Kon Tum in recent days although local people have tried every way to eradicate them.

More than 40 artworks in water color by Ho Van Hung are on display at Tu Do Gallery, 53 Ho Tung Mau Street, HCM City, giving a chance for the audience to relax with rustic and peaceful landscapes from the southwestern region.

 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday that lessons from the first bailout program for Greece have been internalized and the current rescue plan is "on track".

 VietNamNet Bridge – The flag hoisting ceremony is performed daily at 6 am in the Ba Dinh Square, in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

VietNamNet Bridge – The national men’s football squad still tops the Southeast Asian region despite dropping one notch in the world rankings, according to the June announcement of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA).

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam’s top chess player Le Quang Liem had his first win in the opening match of the 2013 World Blitz and Rapid Championships in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia on June 6.

 Disabled kids get free corrective surgery; Vietnamese students awarded at Russian language contest; Smuggled explosives seized in Quang Binh; Apartment carpark fires highlight safety risks

 VietNamNet Bridge – Three Vietnamese and one Spanish designers put fashionistas into a beautiful world of natural materials at the Ecomia Fashion Show in Ha Noi on Wednesday night to celebrate World Environment Day.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The fire of a gasoline tank injured 12 people, a garage fire burned down over 30 motorcycles, and a house fire killed a woman. These are several fires reported in Hanoi this week.

Vietnamese businesses have shouted for help when their products are threatened by illegal low quality products. CITES Vietnam has called for the security agencies intervention.

When the National Assembly is about to conduct the vote of confidence for senior state officials, a prominent event caused strong "aftershock." It is the speech of PM Nguyen Tan Dung in the opening session of the 12th Shangri La Dialogue.

VietNamNet Bridge – HCMC urges the launch of a campaign called “Five Nations - One Destination” with the participation of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam, aiming for a region with a uniform tourist visa

 VietNamNet Bridge - To avoid environmental pollution and bird flu, the HCM City authorities do not allow raising swiftlets in the downtown area and the new urban areas, except for Can Gio District.

 North Korea said Friday it would restore an official hotline with rival South Korea, but pushed back at Seoul's proposal of ministerial-level talks to be held in Seoul next week.