GLOBE NEWS ·VIETNAM NEWS

President Sang promotes co-operation with China

Promoting solidarity, friendship, mutual understanding and interpersonal exchange between Viet Nam and China was crucial to developing the bilateral comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership in a stable and healthy fashion.

Council discusses Mekong resources

A review of new hydropower plant projects along the Mekong River, especially the Don Sahong Hydropower Plant, was on the agenda at the first meeting of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Council this year.

Viet Nam aims for deeper involvement in 2015 UN agenda

Viet Nam will continue to deepen its involvement in the 2015 United Nations agenda for global peace, sustainable development, and dealing with world challenges, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga told Vietnam News Agency in New York on January 14.

Health sector works to improve services

The Ministry of Health has strengthened efforts to improve healthcare services by working on key issues, including IT, medical equipment management and transparency.

Politics & Laws

Vietnamese, Lao Public Security Ministries bolster ties

The Ministries of Public Security of Vietnam and Laos have agreed to intensify cooperation in the fight against organised, trans-national and hi-tech crimes as well as human trafficking and drug smuggling.

• Viet Nam treasures ties with China: Deputy PM
• Judiciary needs to play stronger role to enforce gov't legislation
• President Sang promotes co-operation with China

Society

New Colombo Plan programme kicks off in Viet Nam

The first group of students being sponsored by the Australian Government's New Colombo Plan to undertake short-term study in Viet Nam this year has arrived in Ha Noi.

• Court jails 27 for gambling
• Unregistered mobile phones seized from bus
• HCM City aims to increase health insurance coverage

Economy

Vissai aims to grow into a global brand

The Vissai Cement Group will make its first shipment of the year to Bangladesh this month, crossing the 10 million tonnes export mark after four years.

• Construction starts on metro operation centre
• Quang Ngai to switch on $60m solar power station this year
• Ministry steps in on dairy dispute

Life & Style

Photographer brings VN to Cyprus

The beauty of Viet Nam's seas and islands is the focus of Gian Thanh Son's latest exhibition of photographs which will open next week in Nicosia, Cyprus.

• Spanish conductor to lead HBSO in Mozart, Brahms concert 225w
• Sacred animals exhibited in HCM City
• Encyclopaedia Britannica translated

Sports

Nam to play in AGL Loy Yang Traragol

Ly Hoang Nam will treat the AGL Loy Yang Traragol Junior International event as awarm-up, ahead of the Australian Open.

• VOC expects athletes to secure 16 Olympic berths 480
• Futsal teams to compete in Indonesia 123w
• National team set goal of reaching SEA Games final

Environment

Electronic waste poses risk to Viet Nam's environment 2   

The exponential growth of the information technology industry in recent years is posing a significant risk to the environment, as the disposal of electronic equipment waste rapidly expands.

• Pollution bites
• Council discusses Mekong resources
• Lam Dong earmarks fire prevention funds

Your Say

What do you think about HCM City's proposal to require residents to have a parking slot before they buy a car? 1   

Anyone who wants to buy a car needs to prove they have a place to park it under a new proposal by the HCM City Transport Department aimed at restricting the number of private vehicles.

Op-ed

Higher entry fees miss the bigger tourism picture

It is not often that one offers a surprise New Year gift that recipients are not thankful for. The central province of Quang Binh has managed this with ease.

Travel

Farmers find time away from the plough to express artistic nature

The name Co Do Village may not be too familiar to people in northern Viet Nam, but when someone mentions its other name, the painters' village, most will say they've heard about its reputation as a beautiful village artists flock to for inspiration.

Expat Corner

Student looks to improve traffic

South Korean high school student Chihyun Ryu has spent her time in Ha Noi over the last three and a half years walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, and riding on the back of her father's motorbike taking videos of the chaotic traffic.