VIETNAM TODAY

Vietnamese grandmasters enter World Chess Champs’ second round

Two grandmasters Le Quang Liem and Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son have been qualified for the 2nd round of the 2011 World Chess Championships.

Banks told to raise foreign currency reserves

The State Bank of Vietnam raised the foreign currency compulsory reserves ratio by 1 percentage point to 8 percent of total deposits.

Mekong floodwaters rise rapidly

Floodwaters from the upper stream of the Tien and Hau rivers are threatening thousands of ha of the autumn-winter rice crop.

Historic floods as US hurricane toll mounts

The extent of Hurricane Irene's destruction became clearer with the death toll of nearly 40.

Insufficient investment in coastal economic zones

Though coastal economic zones were created to stimulate local economies, they have fallen short of expectations.

Vietnam to test 2.0 HIV treatment therapy

Vietnam is among a few countries that will test the 2.0 therapy for HIV treatment, a health official has said.

Japan to confirm Noda as new PM

Yoshihiko Noda is set to be confirmed Tuesday as Japan's sixth new prime minister in five years.

First European contemporary dance festival in Vietnam

The first European contemporary dance festival is to be held in Vietnam on September 8 and 9 at the Youth Theatre in Hanoi.

Ten thousand prisoners to be set free in National Day amnesty

Amnesty would be granted to thousands of prisoners and parolees today on the occasion of the country's National Day, announced the Presidential Office.

Private helicopter service opens in VN

Vietnam Air Service Company will cooperate with the Azur Helicopter Company of France and the Vinacopter Company to open Vietnam’s first private helicopter service.

HCM City schools in desperate need of counsellors

Many schools in Ho Chi Minh City are facing the serious shortage of child counsellors.

Gaddafi family members flee to Algeria without him

The wife of Muammar Gaddafi and three of his children took refuge in Algeria on Monday but the whereabouts of the former strongman himself remained a mystery.

Consumers cry foul over modest petrol price cuts

Consumers have been left disappointed by a recent meagre petrol price cut, with complaints of profiteering being levelled at distributors and retailers.

PM specifies assignments for himself and deputies

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has outlined the responsibilities of himself and four deputies.

Seafood farms face growing problems

Aquaculture has flourished in the central region in recent years, but is now encountering several problems.

Vietnamese film makes it to Canadian festival

A Vietnamese movie has been nominated to the Discovery category at this month’s Toronto International Film Festival in Canada.

Malaysia Borneo state wants ban on shark fishing

A Malaysian state on Borneo island, known for its world-class dive sites, is seeking to ban shark fishing to protect the species, a minister said.

Central students receive Vallet scholarships

A total of 397 pupils and students with good study results received Vallet scholarships worth over VND1.6 billion (USD77,669).

Irene moves to Canada, US damage estimated at $7billion

The remnants of Irene reached Canada after barreling through the US where the storm claimed at least 18 lives and caused estimated damage of $7 billion.