VIETNAM TODAY

Japan restarts first reactor since quake on March 11

Japan on Wednesday approved the full resumption of commercial operations of an atomic reactor for the first time since the March 11 quake and tsunami, which sparked the Fukushima nuclear crisis.

Over VND1.4 trillion for agricultural promotion programme

Over VND1.4 trillion will be allocated for the national agricultural promotion programme in the 2011-2015 period, according to the National Agricultural Promotion Centre.

UK: 400k Somali children to die without more aid

A British government minister says up to 400,000 Somali children could die of starvation unless urgent action is taken.

Swiss to spend 2 billion francs to counter strong franc

The Swiss government said it would spend two billion francs to counter the impact of the strong franc on the domestic economy.

HCM City earmarks VND12 trillion to deal with climate change

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has adopted an Action Plan to cope with climate change in the city from 2011 to 2015.

Hoi An expected to become Vietnam’s first ecological city

A pilot project kicked off on Tuesday aiming at supporting local government to turn Hoi An ancient town into an ecological city.

Spain, Italy applaud Franco-German euro integration plans

Spain and Italy welcomed Franco-German proposals for a more integrated euro zone and hoped that the plans would usher in region-wide bonds.

Housing programme targets 240,000 poor households in Mekong Delta

Solid houses have been built for nearly 9,000 poor households in the Mekong Delta region, said the Southwest Steering Committee.

Village may be wiped out by hydropower dam

Xop Chao, a village in Nghe An Province, is on the verge of being flooded by the Ban Ve hydropower dam.

Federer, S.Williams advance at ATP/WTA Cincinnati

Roger Federer, playing in his final event before the US Open, surged into the 3rd round of the ATP and WTA hardcourt tournament.

Safety for tourists still a major concern

Travel agencies have voiced concerns over the security in Vietnam's tourist attractions, saying the situation is getting worse.

Hanoians burn nearly $20 million for the dead annually

Hanoi’s people spend more than VND400 billion ($20 million) per annum in burning paper-made products for the dead, statistics reveal.

British artist to perform in Vietnam

Award-winning UK folk artist, Jim Moray, will perform in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, announced the British Council in Hanoi on August 16.

Official: Vietnam continues pursuing nuclear power development

Vietnam carefully considers the challenges involved in pursuing its strategy of nuclear power development, said an official.

670 businesses sign up for city shopping campaign

More than 670 businesses in HCM City have signed up for the “Promotion Month 2011,” the Department of Industry and Trade announced yesterday.

Mekong dolphins on brink of extinction - WWF

The Irrawaddy dolphin population in the Mekong River numbers roughly 85, suggesting they are at high risk of extinction, environmental group WWF said Wednesday.

Food safety to be boosted for festival

Six food safety inspector missions have been set up to ensure the quality of products for the Mid-Autumn Festival which begins next month.

More students means not enough schools or teachers

HCM City is in desperate need for more teachers and schools in order to serve increasing students in the new school year.

US moral authority undercut by war on terror

The 9/11 attacks prompted an outpouring of international sympathy and support for the US, but Washington's subsequent "war on terror" undercut the superpower's moral authority.