VIETNAM TODAY

Jewellry craft festival opens in Hanoi Old Quarter

Jewelly-lovers will have a chance to contemplate fine gold and silver craft products made by prominent craftsmen at a festival which opened in the Hanoi Old Quarter on March 26 as a gesture to honour the traditional vocation.

US NGO provides free medical check-ups for poor children

As many as 153 poor children in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang have received free medical check-ups provided by the California-based Social Assistance Programme for Vietnam.

Vietnam attracts USD100 billion FDI in total investment

Vietnam has attracted 14,550 foreign direct investment projects worth USD211 billion for over the past 25 years, one official said.

Unsafe sex, leading cause to high HIV transmission

The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Department has warned of a high rate of HIV infections through unsafe sex in Vietnam.

Apple in court in China over 'Siri' claim

Apple appeared in a Shanghai court on Wednesday, accused by a Chinese firm of copying software used for the "Siri" personal assistant on its hugely popular iPhones.

Revised edition of suspended slang book hits shelves

A comic book featuring youth slang, which was withdrawn from bookstores after its racy content and potentially offensive language were criticized, will be released in a revised edition to meet readers' “huge demand.”

Tiny homes in HCM City

Small homes in twisting alleyways of HCM City serve as homes for many of the cities poorest families.

Vietnam needs more female politicians

The number of women in leadership positions in political organisations, including the NA and Government, has yet to reach its full potential, said deputy head of the Vietnam Women's Union Nguyen Thi Thu Ha.

Rapid deterioration of large HCM City highway poses danger

The Mai Chi Tho-Luong Dinh Cua intersection of East West Highway in HCM City's District 2 is showing signs of serious erosion.

Hanoi plans to build high-rise complex near Hoan Kiem Lake

The chairman of Hanoi People's Committee has approved plans to build a high-rise complex building near Hoan Kiem Lake.

Strong quake injures 20 in Taiwan

A strong earthquake shook buildings in the Taiwanese capital Taipei, injuring at least 20 people and sparking a fire, emergency officials said.

Paracel, Spratly islands added to agency logos

The Vietnam Institute of Geodesy and Cartography and the National University of Economics have amended their logos to include the Paracel and Spratly islands.

Ministry makes strides to ease school-starter pressure

The Ministry of Education and Training is planning to waive exams for first graders to reduce pressure on them and to stop kids being given private reading and writing lessons before they enter school.

Top 10 worst diseases in Vietnam announced

The Ministry of Health has just announced 10 diseases that recorded the highest mortality rates in 2012.

Half of FDI firms claim losses to avoid taxes

As much as 50% of foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam have reported losses, the Ministry of Finance said.

National economy grows by 4.89pct in Q1

Vietnam is expected to achieve a GDP growth rate of 4.89 percent in the first quarter of this year, a bit higher than last year’s corresponding figure of 4.75 percent.

Vietnam hopes for more international demining support

Deputy PM Nguyen Thien Nhan has suggested the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining continue to help victims of bombs and mines in Vietnam so that they can better integrate into society.

Gymnast wins gold at Challenge Cup in Germany

Gymnast Nguyen Ha Thanh has won a gold medal in the men’s parallel bars event at the Challenge Cup in Germany.

Nation’s largest construction fair opens soon

More than 450 enterprises from 18 countries will join the 2013 VIETBUILD Construction Fair, the largest of its kind in the country, which is slated to take place from March 28 to April 1.