VIETNAM TODAY

Biosphere reserve to invite foreign experts for monkey work

As many monkeys are fleeing the mountains to seek food on Cham Islands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and in the process harassing locals, authorities said they would seek help from foreign wildlife experts.

WB: Vietnam's bank restructuring plan at risk

The carrying out of bank restructuring in Vietnam is going ahead at a very slow pace, said the World Bank.

Digital signature service providers struggling to seek ways to survive

Enterprises providing public digital signature certification services now just think about what to do to earn money to exist.

J.K. Rowling puts magic in PlayStation interactive book

Harry Potter author is putting the magic in a "Book of Spells" that uses augmented reality to make ink-and-paper works interactive using PlayStation 3 videogame consoles.

New checks soon on all FDI projects

State management agencies would inspect foreign-invested projects periodically or unexpectedly in a bid to guarantee the effects of legal regulations.

Deadly clashes in Syria as EU-Russia seek solutions

Syrian government troops fought with armed rebels as the EU pushed for an end to a split with Russia over how to end the 15-month bloodshed.

Major cities urged to increase public transport infrastructure

Hanoi and HCM City should invest more in public transport if they are to ease traffic, one official said.

Eight former Vinh Phuc officials indicted for corruption

Police in Vinh Phuc Province completed their investigation into the case of abusing power and causing a loss of US$1.44 million to the State budget involving eight former State officials.

Province to crack down on unlawful coral exploitation

The central province of Khanh Hoa will inspect the purchasing and harvesting of coral in Van Ninh District to curb the illegal activities in the are deputy chief inspector Le Van Dung said.

Leon Panetta: US respects relations with Vietnam

The US government attaches great importance to fostering relations with Vietnam in its Asia-Pacific policy, says US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta.

Interest rates may continue to fall

Bank interest rates may continue to decrease this year, said Nguyen Duc Kien, Vice Chairman of NA's Economic Committee.

Annan to hold talks Friday in Washington on Syria

UN envoy Kofi Annan will hold talks with the US Secretary of State Friday as the international community tries to find a way to end the bloodshed in Syria, a US official said.

Vietnam reports 5,000 pregnant women with HIV infection

The Ministry of Health announced that among the 200,000 patients infected with HIV in Vietnam currently, 5,000 are pregnant women.

Research shows promising treatments against skin cancer

Two new experimental treatments against advanced melanoma have shown promise in keeping the deadly skin cancer at bay, according to research presented in the United States.

Men in charge say Danish fund cuts groundless

All responsible people of the three Denmark-funded projects, whose sponsorship has been suspended following irregularities unearthed by audit reports, have denied allegations.

Israel, US 'discuss new Iran sanctions'

Israel and the United States are discussing a new raft of sanctions that could be imposed on Iran if the next round of talks between world powers and Tehran fail, Israeli daily Haaretz reported.

Buses to remain key means of transport

Buses would remain a major means of public transport in Vietnam during 2012-20 with metro, elevated railway and rapid transit bus services currently under development.