VIETNAM TODAY

Vietnam’s total exports to the US have shot up in the first four months of this year by 21 percent to 5.05 billion USD, according to the US Census Bureau.

Flights from major airports across parts of South America and Asia were cancelled as ash from Chile's Puyehue volcano spread.

Vietnam must take stronger actions to deal with Chinese aggression, said an international lawyer.

It is estimated that around 25,000 children are currently working in Vietnam, with some in bad and hazardous environments.

The latest reports show that the underground water level and water reserves in HCM City have been decreasing rapidly.

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius who dreams of next year's London Olympics, brings his quest to Saturday's Diamond League meet at New York.

A flying kite will be launched during Nha Trang Sea Festival 2011 by the Hon Tam Bien Company to promote adventure tourism.

The United States plans to export $46.1 billion in weapons this year, nearly doubling its 2010 figures, officials said.

One-hundred blood donors from across Vietnam will be honoured at a ceremony in Hanoi for their contribution to humanitarian aid.

Hundreds of tourist boats in Ha Long refused to carry travellers as many operators had to suspend services.

The US space agency launched a satellite to observe levels of salt on the surface of the world's oceans.

National monetary policy was on the right track, with credit growth falling to 6.92 percent in the first five months of the year, said an official.

Vietnam’s retail market ranking has slipped from first place in 2008 to 23rd place among 30 surveyed emerging economics in 2011,said a survey.

A new airport will be built in Kon Tum city in the central highland province of Kon Tum.

Two candidates to head the IMF backed out of the race, denouncing Europe's bid to hold on to the job.

A $3.39 billion project on reforming high-school education is facing strong opposition from many experts.

A teenage gang in Hanoi was sentenced to a total 160 years in prison for rape and theft.

The chapi is a Raglai musical instrument that is in danger of disappearing, but not if Chammalé Au of Ninh Thuan can help it

A Vietnamese delegation participated in the Senior Officials Meetings of ASEAN, ASEAN+3, East Asia Summit in Indonesia from June 7-10.