Christmas Eve musical performances and other holiday events in HCM City feature big names and promises .. and plenty of entertainment for the poor and disadvantaged.

VietNamNet Bridge - The list of SOEs (state owned enterprises ) subject to equitization is long with many well-known names. 

 Investors of bitcoin in particular and cryptocurrencies in general should be aware of the possible risks involved in addition to rapidly increasing profits, experts have warned.

 Vietnam’s economy is expected to grow 6.7% in 2017, according to a new report by the World Bank. That far exceeds the projection of 6.3% the WB made in July. The achievements of 2017 could drive Vietnam to grow sustainably next year.

Several years ago, fans of Thai and Japanese goods had only several choices – either buying the products carried across border gates, or going to a few select shops. But now, they can freely choose products at many specialized stores. 

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, on December 22, talked on the phone with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.

VietNamNet Bridge - The pepper output and inventory level around the world is on the rise, while emerging export countries are trying to expand growing areas and increase exports at competitive prices, putting pressure on Vietnamese farmers. 

Volume passes annual target in November, in a year when rice exports were widely expected to struggle.

 Authorities in central Hà Tĩnh Province on December 20 stopped the illegal burning of frozen contaminated fish by a local company.

 Some 4-8 million Vietnamese people are suffering from xerophthalmia – a progressive eye disease caused by vitamin A deficiency that can dry out tear ducts and eyes.

 Kien Giang players won the women’s doubles title at the National Best Tennis Players Tournament, Vietravel Cup 2017.  

 The Transport Corporation Hanoi  (Transerco) on Thursday introduced two new bus routes to strengthen links with suburban areas.

 A worker died after an antenna tower in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long collapsed on Thursday.

 The General Department of Land Management under the Ministry of National Resources and Environment has decided to launch an inspection into land management and usage in five provinces and cities in 2018, Youth newspaper reports.

 The United Nations (UN) should build a long-term and comprehensive strategy to prevent conflicts and maintain global peace, said Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN. 

Up to 76 foreign investors were granted stock certificates by HCM City Development Bank (HDBank) at a ceremony held at the bank’s head office on Thursday.

VietNamNet Bridge - Amazon is pursuing a two-step strategy to enter the Vietnamese e-commerce market. 

 Maximum credit growth this year is forecast to be just 18-19 per cent, meaning that the banking system will not use up the increased room of 21 per cent.

 Vietnam’s exports are expected to reach more than US$212 billion for the first time this year, much higher than the $176 billion recorded last year.

 Vietnam and Laos issued a joint statement during the official friendly visit to Vietnam by General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith from December 19-21.