VIETNAM TODAY

Vietnam calls on ASEAN to increase solidarity

Vietnamese Defence Minister, General Phung Quang Thanh has called on ASEAN to strengthen solidarity and cooperation for common prosperity, focusing on cooperation with China and the US, the two biggest economic powers in the world, which also exert influence

Philippine volcano spews rocks, killing 5 climbers

One of the Philippines' most active volcanoes rumbled to life Tuesday, spewing room-sized rocks toward nearly 30 surprised climbers, killing five and injuring others that had to be fetched with rescue helicopters and rope.

Asia Commercial Bank faces great difficulties

More than 200 staff of the Asia Commercial Bank have been laid off over the past 3 months due to financial difficulties.

Larges fines for overstaying workers

Vietnamese labourers staying in foreign countries beyond the expiry of their labour contracts may be fined up to VND100 million (US$4,800).

University degrees no longer the only choice

An official believes that due to the scarcity of jobs, people are looking at other options rather than continuing tertiary education.

Traffic safety affects alcohol sales law in HCM City

Police in HCMC proposed banning the sales of alcoholic drinks after 11pm in order to decrease accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Vietnamese short film vies for Cannes title

Vietnamese director Tran Dung Thanh Huy’s film entitled “16:30” will be shown as part of the Short Film Corner at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Rules on foreign pay TV channel subtitles amended

The Ministry of Information and Communication has announced that the number of foreign television programmes requiring Vietnamese subtitles has been cut from four to two, following a decision by the Prime Minister.

Banks defend high revenues

The State Bank of Vietnam has countered accusations about bank revenues and disclosed the interest paid to depositors.

North Korea has gained nothing from recent threats, Obama says

The United States and South Korea vowed on Tuesday to keep up their guard and not reward bad behavior by North Korea, which President Barack Obama said had won no benefits or prestige from recent war threats.

Vietnam appreciates US support for HIV control

Vietnam highly values the US’s support for its fight against HIV/AIDS, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told US Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Eric Goosby during their meeting in Hanoi on May 7.

Thai investor nears agreement on USD27 billion oil refinery

Thai PTT Public Company Limited plan to borrow 60% of capital for the USD27-billion oil refinery project.

Hanoi workshop examines women’s rights

A workshop was held in Hanoi on May 7 to promote the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in Southeast Asia.

Danang to host International Marathon Competition 2013

The 2013 Danang International Marathon Competition will be held in central Danang City on September 1.

18 dead in Mexico gas tanker truck blast

A gas tanker exploded in a Mexico City suburb on Tuesday, killing at least 18 people, wounding 36 others and damaging several homes and cars, an official said.

WHO experts assess vaccine quality in Vietnam

The World Health Organisation has dispatched experts to Vietnam to investigate the alleged serious side-effects of Quinvaxem—a 5-in-1 vaccine for children—following some suspected deaths in the country.

Vietnam among top 10 countries making the greatest strides in reducing newborn deaths

Vietnam is among the top 10 countries worldwide that have made the greatest strides in saving newborn lives, Save the Children says.

Young directors shine at national theatre contest

Directors of plays that dealt creatively with social issues even as they entertained the audience were recognised with several awards at a cememony held recently at the HCM City Theatre and Cinematography University.

South Africa, Vietnam cooperate in bio-diversity preservation

An action plan on Biodiversity Conservation and Protection has been signed between the South African Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs and the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.