Vietnam can significantly increase export of garment and textiles if it joins bilateral free trade agreements and multilateral ones like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but only if it can set up a robust supply chain.

Construction of a tunnel through the Ca Pass on National Highway 1A between Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa provinces in the central Vietnam started on December 28.

The Central Highlands province of Dak Nong will invest VND500 billion (US$23.5 million) in a project to improve the capacity of local ethnic minorities on sustainable economic development in 2013-2016.

A revised version of the Housing Law will soon allow foreigners and overseas Vietnamese to buy houses in Vietnam.

Over 500 photos, mainly black-and-white, depicting the French architectural imprints on Hai Phong urban development are put on display in the northern port city, as part of activities to mark the 40th  anniversary of the Vietnam – France diplomatic ties.

The implementation of a strategy on ethnic affairs until 2020 was launched at a national conference in Hanoi on December 28, during which, ministries, agencies and localities across the country were assigned with key tasks to realise the set goals.

A Japanese cultural festival to celebrate the New Year “Ake Ome! 2014” took place at the Giang Vo Exhibition Centre in Hanoi on December 29.

More than 100 domestic and overseas Vietnamese artists, beauty queens and models will appear at the 26th Duyen Dang Viet Nam (Charming Vietnam) gala to be held at Hoa Binh Theatre in HCM City on January 10 and 11.

The National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) and a consortium of three companies signed a contract for the Long Phu 1 thermal power plant in Hanoi on December 28.

Over 130 photos and paintings by 40 artists in and outside the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong are being displayed in the locality, bringing its achievements over the last 10 years into the spotlight.