Hanoi (VNA) - The VN-Index slid 1.43 points, or 0.46 percent, to close at 311.91 on
Jan. 5 as trading remained sluggish. Volume on the HCM Stock Exchange was only 7.3

Hanoi (VNA) - The decrease in the country's growth rate this year could entail
a loss of 300,000 jobs, or 0.65 percent of the labour force, according to the

HCM City (VNA) - Ho Chi Minh City has raised the poverty threshold after
ensuring almost all households have climbed above the old poverty line.

Da Nang (VNA) - Central Da Nang City has approved a bridge project at a
total cost of about 1.5 trillion VND, the Da Nang Transport and Public Works Service

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam plans to spend 2.5 trillion VND (145 million USD) on the
development of power grids in eight island districts between now and 2010, according

Hanoi (VNA) - The Palestinian Embassy in Vietnam on Jan. 1 opened a condolences
book to mourn for those who have died during the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

HCM City (VNA) - Despite a fall in the number of casualties caused by traffic
accidents this year, the potential for traffic congestion and fatal accidents

Hanoi (VNA) - Nine small banks face closure due to inadequate charter capital have
completed plans to increase funds to 1 trillion VND (57.14 million USD) each, the

Hanoi (VNA) - Young, healthy males are rushing to big cities to get better-paid jobs
at construction sites - with scant regard for the dangers it can bring.

HCM City (VNA) - Hundreds of small and medium businesses in Vietnam have
reduced their energy costs by about 50 percent after implementing energy saving