GLOBE NEWS ·VIETNAM NEWS-Viet Nam, Singapore parliaments increase partnership

National unity beat the enemy

The people's unity under the leadership of the Viet Nam Communist Party was a key component in the war against the US four decades ago, participants attending a State seminar held yesterday in HCM City said.

People urged to turn on the charm

People's hospitality and attitude towards visitors, as well as their courtesy and cleanliness, are vital for the development of Viet Nam's tourism industry, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said yesterday.

Airport upgrade to go ahead

Maintenance work at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCM City will start on April 10 as scheduled, and end before June 30, despite concerns that maintenance work will affect holiday-season passengers.

VN set to host 31st SEA Games

Viet Nam is expected to host the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2021 pending the Prime Minister's approval.

Politics & Laws

Viet Nam, Singapore parliaments increase partnership

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung and his Singaporean counterpart Halima Yacob agreed to strengthen parliamentary cooperation at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums during their talks in Hanoi on April 2.

• Chinese nationals sentenced to prison for money trafficking
• Deputy Defence Minister receives Boeing executive
• President sends condolences over Russian trawler tragedy

Society

Consumers switching to safer vegetables

Ha Noi market gardeners established another 500 hectares of safe vegetables in the first quarter of this year.

• Workshop focusing on protecting female migrant workers held
• Typhoon tracking
• Indonesia keen on stronger Viet Nam ties

Economy

Budget collection jumps on economic recovery

Viet Nam collected VND226 trillion (US$10.7 billion) for the State budget in the first quarter of 2015, up 1.3 per cent from a year ago, data from the Ministry of Finance indicated.

• More than 5,000 firms resume operations
• Northwest region urged to foster links
• Can Tho firms need to compete

Life & Style

Travel Mart shows off VN heritages

The Viet Nam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2015 officially opened in Ha Noi yesterday, adopting the theme "Viet Nam – The Land of Heritage."

• Award nomination spurs young singer
• Watercolours reflect artists' passion
• New albums mark Reunification Day

Sports

Binh Duong beat Ha Noi T&T 1-0

Defending champs Becamex Binh Duong beat Ha Noi T&T 1-0 in a Round 8 Toyota V-League 2015 match at the Go Dau stadium yesterday afternoon, pushing them to the top of the table with 18 points.

• Fighting Nam out of Indonesian tennis tourney
• Chervo Open to tee off in Ha Noi on April 19
• VN set to host 31st SEA Games

Environment

Water quality suffers in HCM City

The quality of water supply resources for HCM City has declined due to pollution in the Dong Nai River, experts have warned.

• Elephant herds need protection in Yok Don Park
• Short supply of clean water puts one million locals at risk
• Ha Noi cracks down on sand exploitation

Your Say

Does your country use helmet cameras?

What do you think of a HCM City proposal to provide 200 traffic police with helmet-cameras to catch traffic violators and provide evidence against them?

Op-ed

Labourers require protection through action

The tragic deaths of 13 con-struction workers at Vung Ang Economic Zone last week was the worst work-related accident so far this year. The accident happened when 20-metre-high scaffolding collapsed. The workers, most of them extremely poor, were buried under hundreds of tonnes of metal scaffolding.

Travel

Sunsets and folktales fill visitors' senses on fishing cruise down River Vam Nao

If you want to see a peaceful and picturesque riverine region and participate in local people's life, then a trip to the River Vam Nao might be an excellent choice.

Expat Corner

German couple lacquer the moon

For married artists Christiane Campioni and Tobias Kuester Campioni, Viet Nam has always been an inspiration. But now it's also a home for them and their sons.