VIETNAM TODAY

Japan adopts nuclear cooperation accord with Vietnam

The Japanese House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Relations adopted an agreement on cooperating, developing and using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes between Japan and Vietnam.

ADB to provide USD80 million for mountainous road improvements

The Asian Development Bank will provide a USD80 million loan for a project to improve the country’s roads in northern mountainous areas.

Low-income housing price out target customers

Low-income housing projects in Hanoi continue to remain unattractive due to overly high prices.

Vietnamese ao dai to be showcased in London

A collection featuring ao dai designed with patterns from the UK’s royal costumes will be showcased in London.

Arctic changing 'at record pace': study

International scientists has found "record-setting" change in the Arctic linked to global warming, including melting ice, warming waters and changing wind patterns.

Japan's Honda recalls 304,000 vehicles worldwide

Japan's Honda Motor is recalling more than 300,000 cars worldwide because of a defect in the driver's airbag, the company said Friday.

Festival to promote Hanoi’s special dishes

A culinary festival will be held in Ho Tay Water Park from December 30, 2011 to January 2, 2012 to honour Hanoi’s specialities.

EuroCham critiques Vietnam on trade, investment policies

EuroCham has suggested a range of policy recommendations to help improve the Vietnamese investment environment.

Universities lack funds to improve

Universities with their own financial self-control schemes should have the same rights to set their own tuition fees, a conference heard.

France and Germany to push for new EU treaty

France and Germany will push for a new European Union treaty, President Nicolas Sarkozy declared.

Danish Crown Prince gives toys to local children

Children at the Birla orphanage village received LEGO toys personally handed over by Danish Crown Prince Frederik Andre Henrik Christian.

EUR20 million for climate change adaptation

The French Development Agency has provided credit worth EUR20 million to help Vietnam implement its climate change adaptation programme.

Terms and benefits of social insurance to change

Social insurance payments will account for 24% of labourers’ total monthly minimum salary starting next year.

My Son World Heritage Site on brink of collapse

Despite huge investment in its restoration, the towers at the historic Cham holy site of My Son are rapidly aging.

Le Quang Liem attends Sportaccord World Mind Games

Le Quang Liem will be the only representative to compete in the blitz and rapid chess events at the Sportaccord World Mind Games in China.

Two Vietnamese honoured in Australia

A well-known Vietnamese-Australian inventor has been nominated as a candidate for the title “Australian of the Year 2012”.

Officials approve higher air fares

Authorities have agreed to raise the ceiling for one-way fares for the longest domestic route to 5 million VND to offset rising operating costs, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Vietnam convenes with neighbours on dam project in Laos

Officials from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam will discuss the controversial Xayaburi dam in Mekong River next week.

Vietnam, Austria prioritise trade, research cooperation

Vietnam and Austria will increase bilateral cooperation in such priority areas as economics, trade, investment, tertiary education and scientific research.