VIETNAM TODAY

Vietnam spent up to USD194 million on fruit and vegetable imports between January and March 15 this year, equal to around an average USD2.9 million per day.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can enjoy a financial aid package worth a total of approximately VND560 billion for 2017, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue on March 21 reiterated Vietnam's readiness to open doors for Israeli businesses and help them access its market at a Vietnam-Israel business forum in Hanoi.

The Vietnam Saigon Fabric & Garment Accessories Expo (Saigon Tex 2017) will open at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre on April 5. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and VINATEX.

The main reason for the rapid rise of Vietnam’s public debt is failure to achieve the targeted economic growth rate and the resulting tax collection shortfall, Finance Minister Đinh Tiến Dũng said.

Extreme weather and climate conditions, including Arctic "heatwaves", are continuing this year, after 2016 topped the global temperature charts and saw shrinking sea ice and surging sea levels.

The World Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Kristalina Georgieva will be on an official visit to Vietnam on March 22 - 24.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Dan Hospital on March 20 conducted the first stomach cancer surgery with robot arms for a male patient, 54, from the Mekong Delta Dong Thap Province.

Vietnam has two representatives in Forbes 2017 billionaires list including VietJet Air CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, a newcomer, and Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong who has been listed on five occasions.

A delegation of 20 firms from the Netherlands have discussed difficulties and solutions for sustainable agricultural development for the Mekong Delta on March 20.

The anti-smuggling police, the General Department of Customs and relevant agencies at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport have seized nearly 17,000 illegally imported cigars from Cuba.

During this visit, Vietnam and Singapore will discuss strategic orientations and specific measures to deepen their strategic partnership.

The real estate market in Lao Cai province and Sapa has significant potential in new segments such as villas, five-star hotels, and condotels, according to a report from real estate consultants Savills Vietnam.

Israel’s impressive and strong development is the source of inspiration to other countries, including Vietnam, said PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

France and Japan support a "free and open maritime order" in the Asia-Pacific region, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said after talks with French President Francois Hollande on Monday.

The number of cars imported into Vietnam has continued to rise in the first half of March as prices are falling record low.

A widow in Hai Duong Province is calling for financial help to support her children who both suffer from cerebral palsy.

Israeli President Reuven Ruvi Rivlin and his wife have begun a State-level visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Tran Dai Quang.

A ceremony was held on March 19 to honour ten outstanding youths selected by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union’s Central Committee and the Fund for Vietnamese Young Talents in 2016.