VietNamNet Bridge – The high number of deaths from cancer in a commune in Phu Yen Province has raised serious questions about the safety of the groundwater used by local residents in their daily lives.

VietNamNet Bridge - 2013 is a year to decide the trust of the market and the world on institutional reform in Vietnam.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Tra fish exports will likely reach US$1.8 billion by the year’s end, equal to last year’s figure, demonstrating the efforts of the industry players in the context of export price volatility and struggling farmers.

VietNamNet Bridge – The poverty rate of ethnic minority groups has plummeted eight percentage points over the past five years, with poverty rate of H’Mong ethnic people tumbling 24.3 points, but the rate is still high,

The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) has admitted that big problems exist in the textbooks for the national education system. It has also been aware of the necessity for a “revolution” in the way of compiling textbooks.

  VietNamNet Bridge – 21-year-old Le Viet Ha (an alias) is folded in her mother's arms in a small house in the outskirts of Ha Noi. Her body shudders as she wails, her tears soaking her mother's clothes.

VietNamNet Bridge - The year 2012 nearly ends with many achievements and scandals. Below are some outstanding events of the year.

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam, for the second time in history, witnessed a trade surplus of $284 million in 2012, or 20 years after the first time. However, the achievement has not been applauded by economists.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Just three hours drive from Hanoi, Giao Xuan Village is a familiar stop for foreigners who enjoy the countryside and prefer to stay with people in the local community rather than hang out in a luxury hotel.

Govt leaders outline FDI roadmap to boost growth; SBV submits asset management plan; Thai company acquires majority stake in tile firm; State-owned food processor to divest from affiliates; Monetary policies stabilise economy

 VietNamNet Bridge – The equitization plan, the pillar of the State-owned enterprise (SOE) restructuring program, has gone out of attention this year as a result of the poor performance of the stock market and the economy as a whole.

Commercial banks have launched a series of promotion campaigns, inviting people to loans at preferential interest rates. However, their invitation has not been replied to.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The number of people aged 30-39 catching HIV strongly tended upwards over the past five years, said the HIV/AIDS prevention department under the Health Ministry at a seminar on Dec. 24.

Apart from the increase of international visitors, the release of new slogan and emblem of the tourism sector, 50 percent of tourist sites having standardized toilets for tourists is one of the boasts of the tourism sector in 2012.

 VietNamNet Bridge – State Bank governor Nguyen Van Binh said the government and the entire financial and banking system have taken drastic measures to reduce bad debts while assisting businesses in overcoming difficulties.

 VietNamNet Bridge – A full VND8.8 trillion (US$419 million) was spent this year on social welfare, hunger elimination and poverty reduction, according to a report from the General Statistics Office of Viet Nam.

 VietNamNet Bridge – A collection of more than 3,000 antiques belonging to Professor Duong Minh Thoi and his wife Ha Thi Ngoc was presented to the public at the HCM City History Museum on Thursday.

VietNamNet Bridge – They are members of the national football squad but they also suffer from the risk of unemployment like hundreds of other players.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam’s state-owned university system is embarking on a plan to attract private enterprise investments through the development of a joint stock university model.

VietNamNet Bridge – German writer Nora Luttmer’s novel entitled “Schwarze Schiffe” (Black Boats) is being released in Germany on January 21, 2013, by the Aufbau Verlag publishing house in Berlin.