The northern mountainous province of Ha Giang has directed specialised agencies to implement the planning and conservation for five local special-use forests at a total investment of over VND431.8 billion (US$19 million).

 A Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) report has highlighted bribery as a continued problem at a meeting of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc with the business community on Wednesday.

The latest HSBC Expat Explorer survey reveals that 48 percent of expat children take longer than six months to feel at home and most expat parents living in Vietnam find that moving abroad helps their children become open to new cultures.

 Four private clinics in Hanoi and HCM City on May 17 were fined for their violations of check-ups and treatment regulations.

 Several experts have warned about a possible real estate bubble burst after claims that investors are deliberately holding onto land plots to boost prices in HCM City.  

 VietNamNet Bridge – Three Vietnamese films will be screened at the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival, to be held from May 17 to 28. 

Kwong Lung-Meko Co. Ltd. on Tuesday said it has suffered damages of VND368 billion (US$16.2 million) in the five-day fire in Can Tho City’s Tra Noc Industrial Zone on March 23.

Vietnam trounced Malaysia in straight sets 25-15, 27-25, 25-15 in their second match in the Asian Women’s U23 Volleyball Championship in Thailand yesterday.

 Seven major auto brands have so far confirmed participation at the third Viet Nam International Motorshow (VIMS 2017) to be held in HCM City next October.

 Vietnamese mobile phone maker Mobiistar will introduce by the end of this month a pair of “selfie” smart phones, Zumbo S2 and Zumbo J2, targeting young users.

 The Government has pledged to take stronger measures to create a level playing field for businesses and to improve the competitiveness of local enterprises.

 The Economic Committee of the National Assembly said careful consideration must be given to increasing crude oil output to boost economic growth.

HCM City People’s Committee has petitioned the city People’s Council to increase salary and allowances to raise incomes for kindergarten teachers to encourage them to continue working.

 Traffic accidents cost Viet Nam 2.5 per cent of its annual GDP as per World Health Organisation estimates, said Khuat Viet Hung, vice-chairman of the National Committee for Traffic Safety.

 Actress and former Tourism Ambassador Ly Nha Ky on May 17 walked the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival by dazzling in a Ashi Collection white gown.

 Vietnam defeated Tajikistan 4-2 in the opening match of Group B of the 2017 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-20 Futsal Championship Bangkok, Thailand on May 17

 The National Administration of Tourism has launched a meeting program for Vietnam and Switzerland travel operators with the purpose of attracting more visitors from the European country.

VietNamNet Bridge - The government still insists on a 6.7 percent GDP growth rate target this year, though economists warn it will be out of reach.

 Private sector small businesses in retail and manufacturing are not demonstrating an ability to effectively compete in the international marketplace, says Dinh Thi My Loan, chair of the Vietnam Retailers Association.

 The textile and garment sector is forecast to benefit greatly from the technologies of Industry 4.0 – businesses in the sector, however, remain indifferent to the changing tide.