- Two foreign airlines apply for services to Vietnam
CAAV confirmed with the Daily about the applications and provided some of the information regarding the two foreign airlines. The authority said Skywing registered its 165-seat MD83 aircraft while Saudi Arabian Airlines was planning to operate the Boeing B7 4 7F plane for their services to Vietnam.
- Holiday tours see strong rise despite economic woes
According to travel agencies, the number of tourists booking tours during the four-day holidays increased by 20-30 per cent compared to the last year’s same period.
- Fund shortage hinders new coach stations
Under the VND3.6 trillion (US$1.8 million) scheme by the city People’s Committee, Suoi Tien and Tan Quy Tay coach stations would have been commissioned by 2015 to replace the two existing Mien Dong and Mien Tay stations. Construction of the two new coach stations, to be invested by the Sai Gon Transportation Mechanical Corporation (SAMCO), is also aimed to create a link with the bus system, and the metro and tram routes.
- “Return to the Roots” tourism programme kicks off
At the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan praised the three provinces’ efforts in promoting tourism and said their cooperation provides a good example for others to follow. He said he hopes the programme will create more tourism products and give all three provinces a facelift for developing tourism.
- Break news
Tickets for Backstreet Boys concert set to go on sale - Viet Nam to host inaugural international choir competition - Tour operator plans underwater weddings in Nha Trang - Pirated DVD copies of ‘Bi, Don't Be Afraid' flood local shops
- Complaints lead to water review
Under Decision No 117 dated July 11, 2007, every household has to pay a monthly minimum fee of VND16,000 (USmodule_ussslot1_2_1_2_4_1_data.8), equivalent to four cubic metres of water, to their water suppliers. This is the first legal document on water supply in Viet Nam following the Government allowing water suppliers to operate as businesses. Generally, the fee itself is not a major sum to concern locals, but those not consuming the regulated volume believe they should not have to pay the basic charge.
- Housekeeping services in demand during Tet
The Lunar New Year is the biggest festival in Vietnam and many people go away on vacation, especially to take advantage of the long holiday, but a myriad things still need to be done at home.
- Tet gala cheers up stranded city workers
The event, called Mai Vang (Golden Ochna) Gala Welcomes Tet, is part of the HCM City Labour Federation's charity and cultural activities for the holiday. Dozens of local and foreign organisations and sponsors are involved in the federation's community work.
- New regulations passed to help ease congestion
Traffic-light and lane violations, overloading and drink-driving fines will be VND400,000 ($20) instead of the current VND200,000. Buses and coaches will also be targeted to avoid traffic jams around Nuoc Ngam, My Dinh and Gia Lam terminals caused by drivers searching for passengers and stopping illegally.
- Five-year plan to add 10 million jobs
According to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), the programme has a total budget of VND53,3 trillion (US$2.73 billion), of which more than VND38,1 trillion ($1.95 billion) comes from the central Government and the remainder from local governments, international donors, a national fund to support employment and other sources.