VIETNAM TODAY

The programme of football for society was opened in Hanoi, under the witness of Vietnam Football Federation President Nguyen Trong Hy and Barcelona FC’s representative Marce Xavi.

EU leaders closed one chapter in the debt crisis with a new treaty supposed to end deficits -- then launched a big final push to resolve Greece's bailout woes.

Vietnamese young people have thrown traditional Tet family meet-ups aside to take tours.

The Ramsar Convention’s Secretariat has reached an agreement to recognise Cham Trim National Park as a Ramsar Convention of Wetlands of International Importance, said the park’s director.

Light fines for working illegally in Vietnam have not been a deterrent to preventing the increasing number of illegal foreign workers, said the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affair.

Vietnam expects to host the 2012 U19 ASEAN Football Federation Championships, according to the Vietnam Football Federation.

Apricot trees are believed to be a symbol of fortune while peach trees are said to help expel evil spirits and bring peace.

Overwhelming curriculums, teaching-method reforms, the need for more playgrounds, and the problem of violence at school were raised by school students in HCM City during a recent meeting.

Authorities at central Da Nang City's Ba Na Nature Reserve have been urged to build more zoos and aviaries to ensure better protection for endangered species in the area.

Following the industry’s first acquisition last year, the domestic telecom sector is expected to witness more mergers and acquisitions this year, insiders said at a seminar last week.

Vietnamese are turning to vegetarian options after the traditional Tet fare of high-fat food.

Vietnam will focus on enhancing training for teachers at vocational institutions in 2012, one official said.

"The Help" was the big winner at the Screen Actors Guild awards ceremony, sweeping the top prizes for best actress, best supporting actress and best ensemble.

Mitt Romney stormed Monday towards a likely victory in Florida that would all but lock up the Republican presidential nomination.

Top Vietnamese chess player Le Quang Liem has defeated Argentina’s Felgaer Ruben in his fourth game in the 2012 Tradewise Gibraltar Chess Festival.

The government has decided to pilot a value-added-tax refund scheme for foreign visitors in July in an attempt to boost sales of local products.

The man who had 82kg tumor on his right leg removed is already up and walking around on the remaining leg that he did not use for the last four years.

Vietnam has been honored as an exemplary model for agricultural development in developing countries at the current 42nd World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Overseas Labour Management Department has set a target of sending 90,000 workers abroad this year.