Designer revives brocatelle in VietnamDesigner Viet Hung has started the Hoa Tho Cam Project to popularise traditional brocatelle. "The brocatelle is a traditional material of the Tay, Muong and other ethnic minority groups in the northwest mountainous area to the Central Highlands. After 20 years of researching, I feel confident to introduce brocatelle to the world," he said. "It's great that the brocatelle fashion is being made popular again. To me, it's important to preserve the culture of the Central Highlands,' she said.

Temporary accommodation of late President Ho Chi Minh on Khau Ty hilltop. The working area of late President Ho Chi Minh on Tin Keo hill. A temple in honour of Uncle Ho on the De Mountain Pass in the ATK site. A historic stone stele on Khau Ty hill. A forest of oil palm and hills of green tea at the historical relic site.

Banks expected to record high profits in first quarterThe profits of many domestic banks in the first quarter of this year are estimated to rise higher than that of the same period last year thanks to significant credit growth. After the first two months, Tien Phong Commercial Joint Stock Bank’s (TPBank) profits after provision for risky loans nearly doubled year-on-year to 275.8 billion VND (12.14 million USD). The bank posted outstanding loans at 76.78 trillion VND (3.38 billion USD) and a mobilised capital of nearly 106.2 trillion VND (4.67 billion USD). These targets for 2018 suggest unprecedented high profits for banks in Vietnam. With the above factors, SSI forecast that profits at 14 listed banks including will surge at an average of 32.9 percent in 2018.–VNA

Party chief’s visits expand economic ties with Cuba, FranceParty General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s tour to Cuba and France was a success, creating a new impetus to grow Vietnam’s ties with the two countries, especially in economy, according to an official. Vietnam wants France to become a gateway for the country to access the EU, and Vietnam will help link France with the ASEAN. Vietnam is one of France’s leading partners in ASEAN, while France is one of the biggest investors of Vietnam. The two sides will review legal framework to sign the deal as soon as possible, supporting trade, investment cooperation growth and enhancing capacity in production and accessing each other’s market. Vietnam has become the second largest Asian partner of Cuba after China, with two-way trade exceeding 200 million USD.

Vietnam Airlines, VietJet adjust fees upVietnam Airline and VietJet Air announced increases of their ticket prices and services as from April 1. A Vietnam Airlines aircraftVietnam Airlines’ ticket fee for children aged 2 – 12 will equal 90 percent of that for adults, compared to the current 75 percent. Meanwhile, VietJet Air said it will increase the price to change passengers’ names and flight dates for both domestic and international routes. In late 2017, air ticket prices increased significantly due to higher fees and service charges. Economic experts said airlines can introduce higher fares due to market fluctuations, but stressed transparency to ensure consumers’ rights.

FIFA commends Vietnam’s achievementsBeing impressed with Vietnam’s recent success, the world football governing body FIFA has published an article reviewing the country’s achievements, while suggesting that another turning point is approaching. Coach Mai ​Duc Chung talks with his players during their time in Germany last week (Photo VFF)On their home page, FIFA wrote about Vietnam’s number of achievements. The first was their qualification to the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia – the nation’s first FIFA tournament. A top-five finish at 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup will see the team win with their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup,” FIFA wrote. Vietnam will play their first match against Japan in Group B at Jordan’s Asian Cup on April 7.

Vietnam’s traffic accident cases down in first quarterVietnam recorded 4,674 traffic accidents that killed 2,149 people and injured 3,627 others in the first quarter this year, reported the National Traffic Safety Committee during a teleconference in Hanoi at the end of March. Compared to the same period last year, traffic accident numbers fell by 2.89 percent but fatalities rose 1.66 percent. Chairing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh, also Chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee, said traffic rule violations are rising, especially on highways and rural areas, and management in the field remains poor. He proposed installing smart technology to direct traffic and building traffic control centres for public safety and order. The Transport Ministry was directed to supplement regulations on the safety of vehicles, especially automobiles used for transportation business.

Bac Giang: Bo Da pagoda’s woodblocks recognised as national treasureCarved woodblocks bearing the Sutras of Zen Buddhism at Bo Da Pagoda in Viet Yen district, the northern province of Bac Giang were named national treasures at a ceremony held in the locality on March 31. Carved woodblocks bearing the Sutras of Zen Buddhism at Bo Da Pagoda are recognised as national treasures on March 31. According to Venerable Tu Tuc Vinh, head of Bo Da Pagoda, the woodblocks cover 24 sets of Buddhist scriptures in Nom (ancient Vietnamese ideographic script) and Sanskrit. The same day, Bo Da Pagoda festival, a national intangible cultural heritage, began in the locality and will last until April 3. Viet Yen district will work with relevant authorities to preserve and promote the values of Bo Da Pagoda, particularly the Buddhist woodblocks.

FIFA talks about Vietnam’s maiden chance at Asian Women’s CupBeing impressed with Vietnam’s recent success, FIFA, the world football governing body, has published an article reviewing the country’s achievements, while suggesting that another turning point is approaching. The first was their qualification to the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia – the nation’s first FIFA tournament. “Now the country’s women’s team has the opportunity to create their own milestone moment. A top-five finish at 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup will see the team win with their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup,” FIFA wrote. Vietnam will play their first match against Japan in Group B at Jordan’s Asian Cup on April 7.

VN leaders receives Chinese Foreign MinisterThe Party, State and people of Vietnam always stand ready to boost comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with the Party, State and people of China, President Tran Dai Quang told State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi during a reception in Hanoi on April 1. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang YiPrime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the affirmation while hosting a reception in Hanoi on March 31 for Chinese State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He expressed his hope that China will create favourable conditions for Vietnam to access Chinese preferential funds. Deputy PM holds talks with Chinese Foreign MinisterDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China Wang YiDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held talks with State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi in Hanoi on April 1 on the occasion of Wang Yi’s official visit to Vietnam and attendance at the 6th Greater Mekong Sub-region Summit (GMS-6) in Hanoi from March 29-31. He affirmed that the Chinese Party and Government pay great attention to reinforcing and developing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Vietnam.

Social News 2/4 (Hourly Updated)Vietnam loses 1%-1.5% GDP a year to natural disastersNatural disasters are claiming over 400 lives and causing a loss of between 1%-1.5% GDP a year for Vietnam. Natural disaster mitigation was discussed at a meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi on March 29. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control said the disasters had become more unpredictable and severe. According to the committee, Vietnam faces more risks due to rapid but unsustainable infrastructure and economic developments. Through the festival, the Vietnamese delegation hoped to promote the country’s culture to international friends, thus building trust and enhancing integration.

Ninh Thuan’s vineyards attract touristsTo promote tourism, Ninh Thuan province has developed several agricultural tourism products, including vineyard tour packages, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh grape products at Thai An vineyard in Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district of the province. Located on the way to Nui Chua National Park of Ninh Thuan province, Thai An vineyard village is an ideal stopover for tourists. Visiting the vineyard, tourists can pick fresh bunches of grapes and enjoy grapes and grape syrup at reasonable prices. Le Thi Phuong, vineyard orchard owner in Thai An commune, Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province said: “Visitors prefer to pick fresh bunches of grapes by themselves than buying grapes at markets. Ninh Thuan has determined agricultural and farming tourism as a new tourism development trend of the province, helping to diversify tourism products to meet increasing demand of tourists.-VNA

Imports, domestically-assembled cars in battle for market shareVietNamNet Bridge - Imported CBU (completely built unit) cars are expected to flood Vietnam, as domestic automobile manufacturers prepare to launch new models. Domestic automobile manufacturers plan to launch new modelsThe Ministry of Transport (MOT) has stirred up the market by accepting an Indonesian Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) certificate. Prior to that, a large quantity of Thailand sourced cars were reportedly docked at Vietnam’s ports, ready for delivery after customs clearance. While importers rush to import cars, domestic automobile manufacturers have geared up with their production plans. “Imports only have one advantage – the zero import tariff which makes imports cheaper.

Expats in Vietnam well blend in with local lifeGerard Gastel from France is busy preparing his kiosk at the Ecosunday weekend market, Ecopark residential area, about 18 km from downtown Hanoi. “I have been living in Vietnam for 20 years, and married a local wife. The organic skincare market is tough, but Eddy always finds a stable number of customers in Ecosunday market. Participating in the market for only several months, the songster and his unique music instruments have brought a fresh air to the weekend market. Gerard, Eddy and Martyn each has their own story for participating in the Ecosunday market.

EC launches investigation of steel importsThe European Commission (EC) has decided to initiate a safeguard investigation concerning imports of 26 steel products, including those from Vietnam, to its member countries. The European Commission (EC) has decided to initiate an investigation into imports of 26 steel products to its member countriesThe investigated product categories include alloy hot rolled sheets and strips, organic coated steel, stainless cold rolled sheets and strips, and metallic coated sheets. The Ministry of Industry and Trade said the safeguard investigation was being initiated, because the imports of certain steel products have increased sharply recently, necessitating safeguard measures. Similarly, imports of the products increased by some 65 percent between 2013 and 2016. The EU has imposed the general system of preferences of zero percent for all steel products imported from Vietnam while applying anti-dumping tariffs on some steel products from China.-VNA