Necessary infrastructure has been basically completed for the launching of the “one-stop-shop” customs model at Lao Bao border gate in the central province of Quang Tri, slated for January 1, 2015.

The urban upgrading project funded by the World Bank (WB) has improved the infrastructure in more than 200 low-income areas in the four cities of Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho over the past 10 years, directly benefiting 2.5 million urban poor.

A workshop was held on December 19 in Hanoi to discuss ways to complete the legal framework for enhancing community’s monitoring of investment in poverty reduction and hunger eradication projects, in a bid to prevent corruption.

The Can Tho City chapter of the Vietnam- Philippines Friendship Association held its founding congress on December 19 in an attempt to boost ties between the Mekong Delta city and the Philippines.

As many as 144 cows were given to poor ethnic minority households in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang on December 18-20.

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV)’s leadership over the army is comprehensive and absolute, Party General Secretary  Nguyen Phu Trong has affirmed.

The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho attracted US$54.8 million in investment in this year, US$7 million higher than 2013, bringing the total capital in the locality’s industrial parks to US$1.91 billion.

There is a growing tendency of seek investment opportunities in the field of service among Japanese companies, heard a workshop in Ho Chi Minh City on December 18.

Vietnam won a gold medal at the xiangqi (Chinese chess) event at the World Mind Games in Beijing, China.

The US and Cuba have decided to normalize their ties for the first time since 1961. The historic announcement, made by Cuban and US leaders on Wednesday, has been applauded by the world community. It opens a new chapter in the two countries’ relations.