Party elites wrap up session with directions for 2009 plan
The eighth plenary meeting of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee (CPVCC) ended on Saturday. During three days of meeting, the CPVCC discussed the country's socio-economic performance of the 2008 and the draft 2009 plans including State budgets.

PM urges economic stability
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) and the Ministry of Finance to implement measures to ensure the stability and safety of the banking system.

23 samples of milk powder poisonous
Authorities are taking action to keep melamine-contaminated milk and milk products from reaching consumers after 23 samples tested positive for the poisonous substance as of Saturday.

City asks Gov't for aid for disadvantaged children
City officials have decided to give top priority to the problems and policies related to disadvantaged children and orphans, following an inspection of several orphanages in HCM City on Wednesday.

Ex-health minister Phuong dies at 71
Former Minister of Health Do Nguyen Phuong died last Friday in the capital city from a sudden heart attack at the age of 71.

Local consumers loyal to big brands
While the awareness of Vietnamese consumers of brand names is changing, buyers are becoming increasingly loyal to established brand names, according to participants in a seminar held by European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham) last Friday.

Tax hikes to increase prices of lorries and buses
The price of buses and trucks are forecast to surge in the next few months in the wake of value added tax (VAT) hikes as of January 1, 2009, according to industry insiders.

Low space limits fisheries growth
Limited cold storage space is hindering the development of the fisheries industry, especially in the tra and basa catfish sector, according to industry insiders.

Traditional craft hits modern woes
A formidable pair in the national handicraft industry, the humble bamboo and rattan have also made Viet Nam globally dominant in the weaving crafts industry.

Ethnic culture week kicks off in capital
The culture of ethnic groups from 20 provinces across the country will be on display at the Viet Nam Centre for Exhibition, Culture and Arts in Ha Noi today.

Exhibition tells story of French photography
It has been said that one picture can be worth 1,000 words. A new exhibition at the Ha Noi Arts College is offering over 1,000 words to tell the story of French pictures.

Viet Nam canoeists paddle for Southeast Asian championships
A 15-member canoeing team resumed training last week for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Canoeing Championships, to take place in Mac Ritchie Lake, Singapore later this year.

Old woman offers free care to the elderly
However, I hope that I will be as strong as Nguyen Thi Ngoc Trai, a 76-year-old woman and manager of Recas, a centre devoted to providing assistance and companionship to elderly people without families to care for them.

Businessman defies doubters to success
Cam Giang discovers how Pham Ngoc Tuan turned a simple idea into a profitable business. Using the latest technology, he is living proof that 'where there's a will, there's a way'

Veggie dishes that would please a carnivore
Sick of flowery veggie dishes that leave you craving a burger? Christine Grimard tries a Buddhist approach to vegetarian with dishes that fool the eye and the palate.