VIETNAM TODAY

Japan approves $5.3 bln stimulus budget

Japan approved a $5.3 billion cash injection to boost the stuttering economy, a move likely to add pressure for more central bank measures with a general election on the horizon.

Powerful storm to make landfall in 24hrs

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has asked central coastal provinces to be well prepared for a storm which is forecast to batter the central coast late on October 27.

Vietnam passes hurdle in bid to host 18th ASIAD

Vietnam has met all conditions to host the 18th Asian Games in 2019, says Wei Jizhong from the Olympic Council of Asia.

Vietnam asserts position on world intellectual map

The Ministry of Education and Training held a ceremony in Hanoi to honour students who won prizes at regional and international Olympiads in 2012.

Vietnam may establish debt trading company

The State Bank of Vietnam is drafting a plan to set up a national debt trading company.

Circus school bemoans student shortage

Out of 2,500 student applications, the Vietnam Circus and Variety Arts College only selected 33 for their 2012-2016 intake. However half of the new students have decided to quit.

Minh back to BWF top ten

Top Vietnamese player Nguyen Tien Minh has climbed one notch up in the latest Badminton World Federation rankings to return to world’s top ten.

Banks fail to meet rising demand for dollar

The annual year-end spike in demand for foreign currency has set in, but it is unlikely that foreign currency loans by banks will expand sharply as a result.

Microsoft goes mobile with Windows 8, new tablet

Microsoft took a big step into mobile, unveiling a revamped version of its flagship Windows system and offering a closer look at Surface, its entry into the hot tablet market.

Tragic Dong Nai beggar ring uncovered

Dong Nai police are investigating a suspected ring of beggars after receiving information and photos about them from reporters.

Hurricane Sandy leaves 11 dead in Cuba

Hurricane Sandy claimed 11 lives as it tore across Cuba, leaving a path of destruction on the eastern end of the island, officials said.

New decree on press activities for foreign journalists

Foreign journalists and news organisations will be allowed to continue press activities providing they comply with Vietnamese laws, according to a new Government decree.

Serious overcrowding at HCM City paediatric hospitals

Paediatrics Hospitals 1 and 2 in HCM City are at bursting point, treating over 13,000 children a day.

Tropical storm heads toward central Vietnam

A tropical storm named Son Tinh has entered the East Sea and is forecast to gain strength in the coming hours.

Vietnam wishes to boost ties with Panama

President Truong Tan Sang affirmed that Vietnam always treasures the friendship with the Republic of Panama during his talks with President of Alberto Martinelli in Hanoi.

New solutions to slump real estate market

More foreigners should be allowed to buy apartments and more small apartments should be built in order to save the real estate market, experts said.

Assad regime, rebels agree to Eid ceasefire

The regime of President Bashar al-Assad and Syria's main rebel force have agreed to a ceasefire beginning Friday morning to coincide with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

Hanoi develops renewable energy

The municipal authorities of Hanoi issued the Renewable Energy Development Program to boost the application of advanced technologies in exploiting renewable energies.

Artifacts of the betel and areca culture

Ancient lime pots, lime tubes, spittoons of royal families and the unique betel chewing sets of ordinary people are currently exhibited at the Vietnam National History Museum.