The southern province of Binh Duong will have 31 industrial zones (IZs) covering a total area of 11,463ha by 2020 as part of a vision 2025 plan.

Veteran musician Vu Huy Tien has spent 30 years writing Vietnamese lyrics and the music score for the contemporary opera Notre Dame de Paris, based on the French author Victor Hugo's classic novel. 

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has hailed the chemical sector for its strong performance and important role in national socio-economic development, with an annual contribution of 8-10 percent to the country’s total industrial production value.

The Vietnam-Italy Friendship Association (VIFA) will focus on boosting people-to-people diplomatic activities to further strengthen cooperation in economics, trade, investment, sci-technological exchange, education and training, and tourism between the two countries in the coming time. 

Vietnamese will have a chance to learn more about the unique culture of Japan at the Cool Japan Fukuoka Fair 2014 slate for January 18 and 19.

A worrying rise in drug crime was recorded in 2013 with a growth in the number of cases, arrested suspects and seized drug hauls, Deputy Minister of Public Security Senior Lieutenant General Le Quy Vuong reported on January 10. 

Hanoi will pour US$5.7 million into upgrading its medical facilities in 2014 in order to become the country’s healthcare hub by 2020.

Various activities took place around the country on January 10 to mark the 10th founding anniversary of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin. 

The Vietnam Steel Corporation has set a target of producing nearly 1.5 million tonnes of billet steel and 2.6 million tonnes of rolled steel in 2014, year-on-year increases of 24.5% and 8%, respectively. 

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano hailed Vietnam’s consideration and determination to develop nuclear power for peaceful purposes, ensuring security and nuclear safety.