VIETNAM TODAY

Life has become distinctly better for residents of Dinh Hoa Commune.

A top International Monetary Fund official expressed concern about overall inflation in emerging countries beyond the current spike in food and commodity prices.

Nokia announced plans to establish a new manufacturing site near Hanoi in northern Vietnam.

Moamer Kadhafi warned "thousands" would die if the West intervened in Libya as rebels repulsed a fierce onslaught by his forces on a key oil town.

The continuous hike of medicine prices is a cause of much anxiety to patients as well as to hospital doctors who fear that pharmaceutical companies may stop supplies.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled a new version of the iPad that is thinner and lighter than the original version and features cameras.

The Ministry of Finance estimates that this year Vietnam’s budget deficit could reach VND130.6 trillion (USD6.4 billion).

Two US warships were heading towards Libya on Wednesday as the West started flexing its military muscle.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung on March 2 received the Chairman of China’s Bank of Communications Hu Huai Bang, who is on a working visit to Vietnam.

National team manager Henrique Calisto resigned suddenly, saying he could not handle the criticism levelled at him.

Swiss Re, one of the world's biggest reinsurers, estimated Wednesday that February's New Zealand earthquake would cost insurers up to $12 billion.

The International Air Transport Association downgraded its airline industry outlook for 2011 to $8.6 billion from the $9.1 billion it estimated in December 2010.

The upcoming Asian Development Bank meeting will be an opportunity for participants to witness Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements, said ADB President.

More than 4,000 foreign tourists visit Ha Long Bay by cruise ships from February 2 to March 3, said an official.

Volkswagen AG is resurrecting its iconic microbus, which debuted in 1950 and became a favorite of hippies for its unique styling.

The US military will send a warship to the Mediterranean next week as a first step in a defense shield to protect Europe, a defense official said.

Vinamilk has signed an agreement with three European nutrition companies to create products that will better fit the particular needs of Vietnamese children.

Vietnam is suffering a severe shortage of water – not for the first time. But never before has the drought been as obvious as now.

Many transport firms in Hanoi have submitted proposals to increase fees, citing high fuel prices as the cause.