VIETNAM TODAY

The Ministry of Finance is mulling over a plan to lower retail petrol prices as petroleum traders are making profits of VND1,700 per litre.

From April 2007, Vietnam's banking industry has turned to a new phase when the nation fully joined WTO and more international financial institutions become strategic shareholders at local banks.

A luxury bus service between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh has started in HCM City as a private-public co-operation effort to have more Vietnamese tourists visit Cambodia .

Vietnam's aviation sector is growing rapidly, according to Lai Xuan Thanh, deputy director general of the Civil Aviation Administration.

A Vietnamese-Australian woman is in police custody in HCM City after she was caught carrying 1.3 kg of heroin when about to leave Vietnam last Saturday.

Wealthy people have been spending billions to build spacious 'villas' for their deceased relatives.

NA deputies have proposed that the country’s legislative body work out solutions to several pressing issues this session.

Robin Gibb, singer with the legendary British band the Bee Gees, died aged 62 after a lengthy battle against cancer, his family said.

As many as 28% of European enterprises are looking to reduce their investment in Vietnam, up from 24% last quarter and 8% in early 2011.

The third session of the 13th National Assembly (NA) opened in Hanoi on May 21 to consider tackling socio-economic issues and exercising supreme supervision.

The strange translations of Chinese dishes on the menues of many restaurants in Vietnam has been a cause for amusement among English speakers.

The Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve has officially become the 580th biosphere reserve of the world and one of the eight world biosphere reserves in Vietnam.

Vietnam defines Japan as an important strategic partner with technological experience essential for the country during its process of national development.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development approved a project on preventing influenza on poultry and human beings funded by the US Agency for International Development.

Millions of Asians watched as a rare "ring of fire" eclipse crossed their skies early Monday.

The US President opened a NATO summit saying the world backed his plan to end war in Afghanistan, as President Hamid Karzai pledged his state would no longer be a "burden."

A group of demonstrators are engaging in a confrontation with Chicago police at end of NATO protest march, pushing against a line of officers who are trying to keep them from the meeting site.

A strong earthquake in northern Italy killed at least six people, injured dozens and damaged historic buildings.

If they seek a place to visit, Hanoians will never mention museums.