New Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has pledged to build a transparent, strong and united government which will take drastic, creative and effective actions and do its best to serve the people.

 The State offloaded 147.7 million shares worth US$89.7 million in State-owned companies in 16 initial public offering auctions during the first quarter of this year, the Ha Noi Stock Exchange reported yesterday.

 Defence Minister Gen. Phung Quang Thanh and his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan performed the rituals of saluting territorial sovereignty marker 1223 and witnessed a joint patrol of the two countries’ border soldiers yesterday.

 Vietnam will surely become the biggest ASEAN trade partner of China in 2016, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam Hu Suo Jin said on March 8.

 Many banks suffered losses in the foreign exchange market last year, according to their latest financial reports.

 VietNamNet Bridge - According to the latest rankings on Global beauties, from 2006 to 2015, Vietnam rose by 11 spots, from 35th to 24th in the world rankings for beauty.

 Dung Quat refinery may have to close temporarily because its main products, diesel and Jet A1 fuel, cannot compete with imported counterparts since the tariff on diesel and Jet A1 from ASEAN member states has been eliminated, starting from 2016.

 Leaders of international political parties and organisations worldwide have extended their congratulations to Nguyen Phu Trong over his re-election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

 Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held bilateral talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on the sidelines of the ASEAN-US Summit in Sunnylands, California, on February 15 (US time).

 With less than ten days to go until the world famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race arrives in Vietnam on February 17, Da Nang is counting down to its hosting the international crew and showing itself off to a global audience.

  One Brit in Nha Trang provides free English classes to anyone who's interested, after recognizing how important language skills are in the beach city.

Phu Quoc Island is emerging as an ideal destination for hospitality investment, with major advantages from its natural conditions, strategic location, and the support and investment from the local government and enterprises.

On January 24-26, the tourist town of Sa Pa (Lao Cai province) was completely covered with snow. As the temperatures fall below 0 degrees Celsius, people have to go out with a blanket wrapped around their body.

 The Airbus A350 aircraft of Vietnam Airlines returned to Ha Noi yesterday afternoon two days after being stranded in Paris due to problems in a wing of the aircraft.

  The Ho Chi Minh City-based basketball team Saigon Heat has signed a contract with American basketball player Paul Williams, who is expected to lift the team for the remaining season of the ASEAN Basketball League.

Known for his garden of giant pumpkins, originating from America, Le Huu Phan in Da Lat has successfully planted nearly ten special varieties of fruits and vegetables. His garden has become a new tourist attraction in Da Lat.

 A hundred new foreign investors have been issued stock transaction codes (tcodes) in Vietnam, the Vietnam Securities Depository (VSD) said.

 Saigon Heat were denied a win against Hi-Tech Bangkok City at the ASEAN Basketball League on December 5.