In a decision issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday, the completion of the capital's second metro line has been pushed back five years later than previously planned. The decision was in line with a recent proposal by the Hanoi People’s Committee to postpone the project’s completion date. The total investment for the project is now over VND34.8 trillion, with VND3.9 trillion more coming from the city budget, and VND2 trillion less coming from Official Development Assistance (ODA). The committee will be responsible for the accuracy of information and statistics regarding the project, including the resolution of potential issues, the decision stated. Hanoi will also be responsible for the delay's extra costs, which will be paid for with funds from the city's 2021-2025 public investment plan. If the project fails to meet its new deadline by the end of 2025, the capital city would have to utilize other sources of funding to complete the project. In April, the … [Read more...] about Hanoi’s second metro line delayed again to 2027
Cornard road second hand shop
Hanoi’s hidden bun cha crowded for 25 years
Tucked away in a deep, narrow alley at 74 Hang Quat Street, in the heart of the Old Quarter, this bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) eatery might easily go unnoticed if it weren't for a modest sign at the entrance. The shop serves authentic Hanoi flavors from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Despite its limited space, the restaurant sees a constant flow of diners, forming long queues that extend from one end of the alley to the other. The popularity of this eatery can be attributed to its traditional Hanoian vibe. This place spans a narrow alley, approximately 1 meter wide and 30 meters deep. At the entrance, you'll find the cooking area with a table of ingredients, a barbecue grill, a section dedicated to frying spring rolls, and a small iced tea shop. Diners can park their vehicles on the other side of the road. The dining tables for guests are arranged both inside the house, and … [Read more...] about Hanoi’s hidden bun cha crowded for 25 years
HCMC cops snatch phone snatchers in high-speed chase
Nguyen Cong Thuan, 27, and Duong Le Tuyen Tai, 28, were both arrested on Monday. It all began when officers received reports of a phone-snatching on Nhat Tao Street in District 10 on May 19. After analyzing nearby camera footage, investigators were able to identify the suspects via their license plate numbers. When special forces found Thuan and Tai riding two motorbikes in Hoc Mon District, the pair was exhibiting signs of looking for potential victims. Officers from the special forces stopped the two men for questioning. Tai was apprehended while Thuan tried to escape on his motorbike. A high-speed chase ensued throughout Hoc Mon. Police eventually cornered Thuan at the side of a road and incapacitated him. At the police station, Thuan and Tai admitted to having stolen the phone on May 19. They also admitted to having snatched belongings in two other District 10 cases. … [Read more...] about HCMC cops snatch phone snatchers in high-speed chase
Truck rams through traffic light, killing one
At around 7 p.m., numerous vehicles were stopped at a traffic light at the Thuan An Hoa-My Phuoc-Tan Van intersection in Thuan Giao Ward. A truck then came from behind and rammed into the rows of vehicles. Three motorbikes were heavily damaged by the impact. A 20-year-old man died on the spot. Two other people were rushed to the hospital. Nearby vegetable stalls were also damaged in the incident. "I was sitting inside my house when I heard a loud crash. When I ran outside, I heard screams and saw 2-3 people lying on the road," a witness said. The accident caused a traffic jam, and police officers were dispatched to barricade the area. My Phuoc - Tan Van is a more than 40-km road connecting the center of Binh Duong, a major industrial hub, with Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Provinces and HCMC. It is often used by many trucks and prone to traffic accidents. … [Read more...] about Truck rams through traffic light, killing one
Apple’s resilient iPhone sales and Samsung’s dominance amidst declining market
Apple's resilient iPhone sales and Samsung's dominance amidst declining market According to Counterpoint Research, the smartphone market has been impacted by the recent economic difficulties. The report indicates that amidst challenging business conditions, retailers have had to revise their expansion plans and reassess their business strategies. Retail stores have reduced operating hours and lowered salaries due to the reduction in customers since the Lunar New Year. Initially, original equipment manufacturers misjudged the demand, resulting in high inventory levels. Subsequently, realising the actual situation, they rushed to offer discounts to clear the excess stock. All phone manufacturers, except for Apple, experienced a decline in sales in Q1. Glen Cardoza, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research stated, "The recovery of smartphone demand in Vietnam is expected to be slow in the second quarter of 2023 and will require time while the economy continues to face numerous … [Read more...] about Apple’s resilient iPhone sales and Samsung’s dominance amidst declining market
Bronze age artefacts found in Dak Nong
The Central Highlands province of Dak Nong has recently discovered numerous artefacts belonging to inhabitants dating back 3,500 years. According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the artefacts were discovered during an excavation jointly conducted by the Dak Nong Museum and the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology in Village 12, Dak Sin Commune, Dak R’lap District early this month. Part of the artefacts found in Dak Nong (photo by My Hang) The objects include stone items such as axes, blade fragments, grinding tables, chisels and saws and around 6,300 pieces of pottery with a thickness of 0.5-0.8 cm. All of the artefacts obtained from the excavation process will be handed over to be stored at the Dak Nong Provincial Museum. The authorities of Dak Sin Commune have been urged to raise local awareness about the need to protect archaeological sites. … [Read more...] about Bronze age artefacts found in Dak Nong
State leader hails dedications by Vinh Long revolution contributors
President Vo Van Thuong greets the revolution contributors from Vinh Long province in Hanoi on May 30. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – President Vo Van Thuong had a meeting with a delegation of 70 revolution contributors from the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long in Hanoi on May 30. The Vinh Long delegates include war invalids, those used to be imprisoned by enemies or affected by Agent Orange/dioxin, martyrs’ relatives, and families of revolution contributors. Appreciating the Party, State, and society’s attention and assistance to revolution contributors nationwide, including those in Vinh Long, they said they have always stayed united and made efforts to improve their life, contribute to local and national development, and join hands with authorities in repatriating martyrs’ remains and building, upgrading monuments to martyrs. They pledged to uphold revolutionary traditions, set good examples, and educate younger generations on the traditions so that Vinh Long will … [Read more...] about State leader hails dedications by Vinh Long revolution contributors
NA deputies continue to discuss draft laws, resolutions on May 30
An overview of the NA's fifth session. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – National Assembly (NA) deputies will continue their ongoing fifth session on May 30 discussing important matters, including a draft Law on Electronic Transactions (revised) and a draft resolution on pilot special policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City. The draft Law on Electronic Transactions (revised) has seven chapters and 54 articles. Compared to the current version, the bill has 31 new and nine amended articles, while erasing a number of regulations in five and eliminating three articles. During the morning discussion, NA deputies will decide the investment policy for the project to construct road from National Highway 27C to Road 656 in Khanh Hoa province which links to Lam Dong and Ninh Thuan provinces, as well as the adjustment of the investment policy for Ka Pet reservoir in Ham Thuan Nam district of Binh Thuan province. In the afternoon, they are scheduled to listen to a proposal and a … [Read more...] about NA deputies continue to discuss draft laws, resolutions on May 30
A hot dog that isn’t a hot dog in Vietnam
Living in Vietnam can bring moments of total pleasure and those of total wonder. When is a hot dog not a hot dog? Well, that answer came to me through experience some 10 years ago when I began my teaching career here in Vietnam. It was only weeks after I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City to start a new life journey and I had already experienced my first episode of 'Vietnam Belly.' I wasn’t feeling all that great and I found that the local food and cheap beer just weren’t what my body wanted. I met a fellow Australian expat who introduced me to his employer – a major name in Vietnam’s teaching industry. Despite my unreliable health, I interviewed with the company. I was just hoping things would hold themselves together long enough to get the job, and they did. When I found out I got the job, my only thoughts were about how much I hoped I would be able to recover by the time I started classes. Early the next morning, my phone rang. It was the school asking if I could cover a class … [Read more...] about A hot dog that isn’t a hot dog in Vietnam
Central bank demands stronger promotion of cashless payment
A customer uses QR code for payment at Con market in the central city of Da Nang. — VNA/VNS Photo Van Dung The State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) has requested banks, branches of foreign banks, and providers of intermediary payment services to take steps to continue promoting cashless payments and the implementation of the national digital transformation programme. The move is also set to help with the plan on developing the application of resident data and electronic identification and authentication to serve national digital transformation for the 2022 - 25 period, with a vision to 2030. In its Document No 3956/NHNN-TT, the SBV asked banks, foreign banks’ branches, and intermediary payment service providers to continue considering and offering preferential programmes and policies on payment and intermediary payment service fees to customers, and exempt account maintenance fees as well as cash withdrawal fees for the customers entitled to the social security policy. They were told … [Read more...] about Central bank demands stronger promotion of cashless payment