HCM City (VNS/VNA) - Officers tasked with preventing fake goods, trade fraud and smuggling in Ho Chi Minh City and southern border provinces have been forced to work hard ahead of Tet (Lunar New Year), which falls on February 12 this year. Last week, the HCM City customs department discovered 14 steel containers that consignee V.V Steel Company described wrongly to evade tax. The company, in Long An province’s Duc Hoa district, made a declaration that would have allowed it to enjoy 0 percent tax instead of the 10-15 percent it had to pay, equivalent to 1 billion VND (43,000 USD). Now, besides the tax it will also have to pay a penalty of 20 percent of the amount. Smuggling and trade fraud are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Truong Van Ba, Director of the HCM City Market Surveillance Department, said last year 25,538 violations had been discovered involving loss of tax revenues of 5.8 trillion VND. Competent agencies filed charges in 113 cases. … [Read more...] about HCM City, southern provinces step up efforts against fake goods
Ho chi minh city nightlife
Quality of life in Hanoi better than HCMC: report
Authorities have admitted air quality in HCMC and Hanoi have worsened in recent years due to exhaust fumes, factory emissions and construction dust. Though a series of measures have been taken, it remains a pressing issue. … [Read more...] about Quality of life in Hanoi better than HCMC: report
Bamboo Airways to launch Hanoi-Rach Gia route from February 7
The new route will make use of the Embraer E195 aircraft. The airline offers incentives of an additional 10kilo of checked baggage for passengers departing between Feb. 1 and 8 during the initial launch of the route. Bamboo Airways is scheduled to open the Ho Chi Minh City-Rach Gia route in early February, offering airfares starting from only VND299,000. Passengers are able to purchase air tickets throughout Bamboo Airways’ sales channels, including the airline’s ticketing counters and official e-channels. … [Read more...] about Bamboo Airways to launch Hanoi-Rach Gia route from February 7
Last rehearsal ahead of 13th National Party Congress
From early in the morning, all relevant forces participate in a rehearsal at President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to complete preparations for the the congress. Traffic police are on hand to ensure both security and safety on the route from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to the National Convention Center where the congress is due to take place. Armed forces also participate in the rehearsal, as they are to escort delegates to the Mausoleum on the opening ceremony on January 25. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Guard High Command prepares to lay a wreath at the site. The military's music band gears up to take part in the rehearsal. Politburo member and Permanent member of the Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong leads a delegation as they lay a wreath at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The delegation then proceeds to the National Convention Center. Efforts to ensure security and safety of all participants have been carried out in the capital. Security teams have also made … [Read more...] about Last rehearsal ahead of 13th National Party Congress
Tet gifts presented to needy people in Phu Tho
Addressing the gift-presenting ceremony, Senior Colonel Ngo Anh Thu, PAN’s Deputy Editor-in-Chief, said that the small gifts were expected to help the recipients welcome a happy Tet. The activity aims promote the national tradition of “protect and help one another in times of distress” … [Read more...] about Tet gifts presented to needy people in Phu Tho