VIETNAM TODAY

Earthquake in Nepal Kills Hundreds and Levels Buildings

An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 shook Nepal on Saturday near its capital, Katmandu. People in the capital described scenes of panic and collapsed buildings, and the United States Geological Survey predicted severe damage to villages.

Trade deficit 3.1 bln USD as imports increase 18.9 percent

The country's total export and import turnover reached 88.4 billion USD by April 15, a year-on-year increase of 13.9 percent, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

Sapa prepares for long holiday rush

The district of Sapa in the northwest province of Lao Cai, one of the top tourism destinations in Vietnam, is expected to welcome about 50,000-70,000 visitors in the upcoming six-day vacation which starts from April 28.

Da Nang set for world fireworks champs

The South African team, newcomers to the 2015 Da Nang International Fireworks Competition, will perform the curtain-raiser on April 28, said the organising committee at a media briefing on April 24.

Glittering line-up for Beethoven's ninth

Some of Norway's top orchestral musicians and internationally famed opera artists like Siri Torjesen, Magnus Staveland, and Cho Hae Ryong will join the HBSO Symphony Orchestra and Choir for concerts at the HCM City Opera House on May 8

Vietnam to set up five fishery centres

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has recommended that the State's budget concentrate on developing infrastructure and logistic facilities for five regional fishery centres along the Vietnamese coastline.

Statue of Liberty 'safe' after bomb threat

The Statue of Liberty and its surrounding island, one of the most visited monuments in the United States, was given the all-clear Friday after being evacuated because of a bomb threat, police said.

Wild animals released to nature in Nghe An

The Pu Mat National Park in the central province of Nghe An has released a number of wild animals back into their natural surroundings, a forest management official said.

Quang Binh to focus on cave tourism

The central province of Quang Binh has a lot of development potential in the tourism sector yet, some say, it should hold back and concentrate on one or two attractions to build up its own tourism trademark.

Sharp rise in imports of Chinese machinery

Vietnam spent USD2.27bn on imports of machinery from China in the first quarter of this year, up 46% on a year earlier, but concerns have been raised that the country may not be getting value for money.

Tourism firms enjoy bumper holiday week

Tour companies are having a bumper holiday season, with most out-bound and in-bound tours sold out for Reunification Day on April 30 and the May Day holiday on May 1, with few slots left for remaining travel.

Lexus smuggling ring from Cambodia broken in Tay Ninh

Police in Tay Ninh Province have broken a smuggling ring bringing luxury cars into Vietnam from Cambodia.

What am I eating? 'Blind' restaurant opens in HCM City

A restaurant in HCM City’s District 1 is offering patrons the experience of eating without being able to see what is in front of them, served by blind people, so they can learn how to use their other senses.

Vietnam vehemently opposes Canada’s passage of S-219 Bill

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Hai Binh on April 24 said that Vietnam vehemently protests against Canada’s passage of the S-129 Bill or the so-called Journey to Freedom Day Act.

President Sang attends 60th anniversary of Bandung Conference

On April 24, State President Truong Tan Sang attended the 60th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference (known as the Bandung Conference) in Indonesia along with Heads of State, Prime Ministers and delegation heads from Asian and African nations.

Hanoi to drop stagnant FDI projects

Hanoi authorities said they would drop foreign direct investment (FDI) projects that are behind schedule or where investors are found to be unable to follow through on commitments.

USAID launches wildlife crime tech challenge in Vietnam

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge to reward innovative science and technology solutions that help combat wildlife trafficking in Vietnam.

Vietnam Airlines told to intensify staff checks after gold smuggling case

Vietnamese aviation authorities have asked national carrier Vietnam Airlines to increase internal staff supervision after a pilot was arrested in South Korea for smuggling six kilograms of gold.

Sitting tug-of-war is a national heritage

An unusual game, the sitting tug-of-war, has been listed as a National Intangible Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Greece heads for more crunch talks with European creditors

Time is running out for Greece to reach a deal with bailout creditors and prevent the country going bankrupt, the eurozone's top official said Friday as he headed into discussions with his colleagues from the 19-country single currency zone.

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