VIETNAM TODAY

Nearly 200 workers of Shin Dong Textile Ltd. Co. in HCM City were hospitalised on July 1 evening after taking their dinner at the company.

The Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations on July 3 sent a paper to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon opposing China’s illegal occupation of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago and asserting Vietnam’s sovereignty over it.

Present tensions in the East Sea have created opportunities for Vietnam to adjust its economic policies with China to avoid becoming too dependent according to one economic expert.

More than 571,000 high school students nationwide began the national university entrance examinations on July 4 seeking a place at one of the 141 universities and colleges.

A steel-clad fishing boat has just been given to a fisherman in Quang Ngai Province, which is aiming at strengthening the Vietnamese fishing fleet.

China on July 3 sent two more military vessels to protect its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 that is parked illegally in Vietnam’s waters, adding up to seven ships of this kind, according to the Vietnam Fisheries Resources Surveillance Department.

The Vice President of Monsanto Company’s Sustainability and Signature Partnerships said that agriculture should be an engine for economic growth in Vietnam.

An estimated 170 Overseas Vietnamese youth are returning to the homeland for Summer Camp 2014, raising the awareness of the country’s sea and island sovereignty.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said China’s escalations cannot reverse Vietnam’s indisputable sovereignty over its Paracel and Spratly archipelagos.

The National Traffic Safety Committee has reported that the number of traffic accidents, deaths and injuries in the first six months have decreased compared to the same period last year.

Leaders of Hoang Lien National Park is proposing to honour the groups of fir and rhododendron trees as Vietnam's heritage.

A blood donation campaign called “Red Journey” was launched in Rach Gia city of the southern province of Kien Giang on July 3.

Iran and six world powers resumed talks on Thursday aimed at clinching a long-term deal later this month on the scope of Tehran's contested nuclear programme, seeking to bridge still wide gaps in negotiating positions.

Thailand’s leading retailer Central Group plans to open its Robins Department Store at Ho Chi Minh City-based Crescent Mall in November, 2014.

Vietnam's gross domestic product is estimated to grow by 5.7-5.8% in 2014 according to a forecast by the National Financial Supervisory Committee.

Malaysian police on July 1 arrested 39 foreign women, including 18 Vietnamese nationals, believed to be involved in prostitution, Malaysia’s National News Agency Bernama reported.

The Tourism Policy of Future Development in Asia – Pacific Region conference started in Ho Chi Minh City on July 2, drawing over 160 delegates from 17 regional countries.

A new music programme featuring young performers kicked off this week to entertain students, workers and others who could not pay for tickets to live concerts.

India summoned the top diplomat from the US embassy Wednesday to complain for the third time about spying, following new allegations that Washington's National Security Agency targeted its ruling party.