Four new laws to take effect next year

The Health Insurance Law, Hi-tech Law, Road Traffic Law (revised) and Bio-diversity Law will go into effect on July 1, 2009 after the National Assembly voted to pass the laws at its session last month.

A representative of the President Office announced President Nguyen Minh Triet’s instruction to publicize the new laws at a press conference [...]

New tricks

A fine balance: the Vietnamese circus is swinging back into the limelight with acts that can appeal to diverse audiences, young and old, at home and abroad

After lying low for decades, the nation’s circus industry is getting its act together.

Ever since Vietnam embarked on its doi moi (renovation) program more than two [...]

State of new sports hospital shocks staff

The outside of the Vietnam Sports Hospital, a $3.25 million project which broke ground in 2001.

A Hanoi hospital, considered the leading sports medicine facility in Southeast Asia when it opened last year, is looking dilapidated despite repeated repairs to the building.

Hospital employees have pointed out cracks, leaks and sunken areas of the [...]