Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc beats the gong to open the New Year's trading session in Hanoi on February 12 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc highlighted a bright outlook for Vietnam’s economy while opening a stock trading session after the Lunar New Year holiday in Hanoi on February 12. Citing international organisations’ forecasts, PM Phuc said the World Bank has predicted that Vietnam will record an economic growth rate of over 6.6 percent in 2019. Meanwhile, Standard Chartered and ANZ believe the economy will enjoy the fastest growth in ASEAN and be a highlight in the world’s economic panorama. Some organisations also perceived that there is room for Vietnam’s economy to grow at a pace of 7 percent this year. Echoing the view, the National Financial Supervisory Commission said the economy is likely to expand by 7 percent. The Government leader said those forecasts show the confidence in Vietnam’s economic … [Read more...] about Prime Minister opens New Year’s trading session
Lunar new year 2018
Traditional New Year celebration in full swing in Laos
In the morning of April 14, the first day of the festival, the streets in capital Vientiane were empty as all families performed the Buddha bathing ritual at home, followed by the splashing of flower-immersed water on each other to wipe out bad things and diseases while bringing in a clean and healthy new year. People across Laos are celebrating their traditional New Year festival (Bunpimay) with a wide range of activities. In the afternoon the same day, Laotians gathered at pagodas to participate in the Buddha bathing ritual and then tie colorful threads on each other’s wrists to wish for good health and luck in the new year. The highlight of Bunpimay celebration in Laos is the splashing of water, as the Lao people believe that water will wash away bad luck and diseases and bring vitality to everything. Tourists to Laos these days must not miss the Miss Lao New Year (Nang Sangkhane) procession, a traditional ritual of Laos that honors children’s gratitude … [Read more...] about Traditional New Year celebration in full swing in Laos
Dong Nai gathers Lao, Cambodian students on traditional New Year
Present at the meeting were Lao and Cambodian Consul Generals in Ho Chi Minh City, and 84 students from the two countries, who are studying in the province. Over the past time, the leadership of Dong Nai has created favorable conditions and taken good care of students from Laos and Cambodia. At the gathering. In their speeches, the Lao and Cambodian Consul Generals in HCM City expressed thanks to Dong Nai’s authorities, people, and colleges for supporting and training Lao and Cambodian students, so that they could acquire for more knowledge to build their countries and contribute to cultivating the Laos-Vietnam and Cambodia-Vietnam relationships after returning home. At the gathering, the Dong Nai provincial Students’ Association unveiled the “Sharing Mekong River” Club with the aim of promoting solidarity among Lao, Cambodia, Vietnamese students to support each other in studying and working. Translated by Van Hieu … [Read more...] about Dong Nai gathers Lao, Cambodian students on traditional New Year
Vietnam keeps rate of new HIV cases lower 0.3 percent
Illustrative image (Source: POZ Magazine) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam aims to keep the rate of new HIV/AIDS infections below 0.3 percent, while reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS on socio-economic development. Under a project to prevent HIV/AIDS in 2018-2020 approved by the Prime Minister, the provision of essential service packages of intervention and new test services will be expanded in 32 provinces and cities nationwide. Test services for HIV will be provided in district-level health stations, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. CD4 blood tests for newly-detected HIV cases will be implemented and viral load tests will be routinely performed. Pregnant women living in districts reported to be HIV hotbeds in 32 provinces and cities will be tested for HIV. All those who are confirmed HIV positive will be given long-term anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment. HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS) will be launched, aiming to provide data for building HIV prevention … [Read more...] about Vietnam keeps rate of new HIV cases lower 0.3 percent
Da Nang: New frog found in Son Tra Nature Reserve
Rowley’s litter frog (leptolalax rowleyae) is a new amphibian species found in the Son Tra Nature Reserve in Da Nang (Photo courtesy of Nguyen Thanh Luan of the Asian Turtle Programme) Da Nang (VNS/VNA) - A new amphibian was discovered by a group of scientists and biologists in the Son Tra Nature Reserve in the central city of Da Nang following researches between 2012 and 2018. A scientific report of the new species was released in the scientific magazine Zootaxa – a peer-reviewed scientific mega journal for animal taxonomists, on March 1. Nguyen Thanh Luan, scientific officer of the Asian Turtle Programme-Indo-Myanmar Conservation confirmed to Vietnam News on March 1 that the species – Rowley’s litter frog (leptolalax rowleyae) was found by Vietnamese Dr Phan Thi Hoa from Da Nang College for teachers’ training in 2012 when she was completing her thesis on reptile and amphibian species in the Son Tra Nature Reserve. Luan said Hoa … [Read more...] about Da Nang: New frog found in Son Tra Nature Reserve
