Hanoi (VNA) - The VN-Index gained ground again on Dec. 18, closing up 1.55 percent
to end the trading session at 305.56.

Thua Thien-Hue (VNA) - A highly diverse and ecologically important forest area
stretching from Hue city to the Laos border has been protected thanks to a 4.5-year
project.

Hanoi (VNA) - A 'cau doi' (parallel sentences) competition to celebrate Tet has
been launched by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Hanoi (VNA) - Former Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who fought alongside
Lao revolutionaries in the past wars were reunited in Samneau, the famed revolution

HCM City (VNA) - The Ministry of Planning and Investment will spend 2.5 trillion
VND (151.2 million USD) to build a total of 10,000 apartments for low-income

Hanoi (VNA) - Defending champions Singapore tied host Vietnam nil-nil in the
AFF Suzuki Cup's semi-final first leg match on Dec. 17 at Hanoi 's My Dinh
Stadium.

Hanoi (VNA) - Emergency management plans must be in place to reduce the impacts
imposed by natural disasters on the environment and socio-economic development.

Hanoi (VNA) - A foreign ministry official said Vietnam has identified the promotion and protection of human rights as lying at the core of its causes of national construction and development.<

Hanoi (VNA) - Trade turnover between Vietnam and Myanmar this year will be about 130
million USD, according to the Vietnam General Department of Customs.

Hanoi (VNA) - Bankers are easing lending standards for car buyers, a move car traders said would help lift stagnant auto sales.