Da Nang seeks to forge links with German city

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Da Nang seeks to forge links with German city<br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1namurp'>Chairman of People’s Committee</a> of central <a href='http://bit.ly/1f8hoHL'>Da Nang</a> city <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFZsR'>Van Huu Chien</a> has visited Hamburg city of Germany to discuss measures to boost bilateral ties.</p><br /><p>During his August 28 working session with <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFZsS'>Second Mayor Dr Dorothee Stapelfeldt</a>, Chien briefed the host on Da Nang ‘s socio-economic development as well as its potential for developing tourism, industry and service.</p><br /><p>He also called on businesses in Hamburg , one of the largest industry and service centre in Germany , to further links with Da Nang in the coming time.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1548279'> </span> </p><br /><p>For her part, Stapelfeldt welcomed the visit by Chien, saying that it will help open up a bright prospect for more effective cooperation between the two cities in the future.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFZsV'>The Mayor</a> revealed that she is planning to lead a group of Hamburg business representatives on a visit to the Vietnamese city in 2015 to explore cooperation and investment opportunities.</p><br /><p>The same day, both host and guest attended an investment promotion seminar co-organised by the <a href='http://bit.ly/1namwj5'>Vietnam Embassy in Germany and the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry</a>.</p><br /><p>Da Nang ‘s representatives introduced their city’s strengths, especially in tourirm, seaport, industry and service, to their German counterparts.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFZsY'>Many Hamburg</a> firms showed keen interest in Da Nang , saying they regard the city as a promising investment destination.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Da Nang seeks to forge links with German city Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Da Nang seeks to forge links with German city

Da Nang seeks to forge links with German city Chairman of People’s Committee of central Da Nang city Van Huu Chien has visited Hamburg ci...

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Credit growth expected to hit 10 percent this year

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Credit growth expected to hit 10 percent this year<br /><p>The country’s credit growth is expected to reach 10 percent by year-end, lower than the target of 12-14 percent, said new <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdG0Nv'>Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam</a> (SBV) <a href='http://bit.ly/1jpKuaz'>Nguyen Thi Hong</a>.</p><br /><p>Vietnam ‘s credit is estimated to grow by 4.5 percent and its deposits, by 8.21 percent, by late August, she revealed at a conference held in Hanoi on August 29 that reviewed eight months of the banking sector’s operations.</p><br /><p>Hong explained that credit growth in August was 3.68 percent higher than that in July but remained lower than that in the same period last year.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1548273'> </span> </p><br /><p>As of August 21, the total means of payment rose by 8.86 percent while deposit growth rate went up by 8.21 percent, with deposit in dong rising 8.77 percent and deposit in foreign currency going up by 4.2 percent compared to the same period last year.</p><br /><p>The liquidity of credit institutions remained abundant and the interest rate of the inter-bank market was stabilised at a low level.</p><br /><p>Hong said the lending rate of credit institutions was expected to decline by 0.5 to 1.5 percent in 2014.</p><br /><p>Currently, credit institutions have adjusted the interest rate of old loans. As of August 14, outstanding loans in dong with an interest rate of more than 15 percent accounted for 4.45 percent of the total number of loans, while outstanding loans with an interest rate of more than 13 percent accounted for 12.45 percent.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1CdG0Nw'>The SBV Deputy Governor</a> also revealed that Vietnamese commercial banks’ bad debt ratio rose to 4.84 percent by late June 2014, representing a 3.61 percent increase from that of the same period last year.</p><br /><p>She attributed the increase to sluggish production and business, resulting in a delay in debt payments for a number of businesses, and the implementation of new debt regulations in SBV’s Circular No 09/2014/TT-NHNN on the classification of bank risk.</p><br /><p>The circular, which deals with the classification of bank assets, the setting up of risk provisions and the manner by which provisions against credit risks are to be deployed, will force an increase in risk provisioning, according to Hong.</p><br /><p>It will also allow the banks to continue restructuring existing loans and retain them in the same debt group until April 1, 2015, instead of reclassifying them by using more rigorous standards by June 1, 2014, as previously planned.</p><br /><p>At the conference, the <a href='http://bit.ly/1namuaZ'>Chairman of the Vietnam Asset Management Company</a> (VAMC) told reporters that since October 2013, his company had purchased 58.9 trillion VND (2.8 billion USD) worth of bad debts from 35 credit institutions.</p><br /><p>In 2014 alone, VAMC purchased bad debts worth 19.6 trillion VND, but this indicated a decline in the number of such purchases.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1namub0'>The VAMC Chairman</a> explained that the purchase of bad debts formed part of a roadmap and plan to restructure the non-performing loans of credit institutions. He added that his company has to consider the quality of bad debts before making the purchase.</p><br /><p>Explaining why purchased bad debt was lower than total non-performing loans (NPLs) of the banking system, Hong said VAMC is not a “magic wand” to be used in the handling of NPLs.</p><br /><p>The SBV Deputy Governor explained that <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdG0Nx'>VAMC’s</a> handling of NPLs aims to encourage credit institutions to offer more loans and reduce interest rates for lending in order to assist businesses.</p><br /><p>Hong said the SBV will continue to boost the process of handling NPLs and ask credit institutions to enhance risk provisioning and use it in handling bad debts.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Credit growth expected to hit 10 percent this year Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Credit growth expected to hit 10 percent this year

Credit growth expected to hit 10 percent this year The country’s credit growth is expected to reach 10 percent by year-end, lower than the t...

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HCM City-Long Thanh-Day Giay expressway section inaugurated

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>HCM City-Long Thanh-Day Giay expressway section inaugurated<br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1namw2v'><img alt="1548269-avatar" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="176" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1namw2v" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>The section of the 55-km Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay opened (photo: VNA)</p><br /><p><span id='more-1548269'> </span> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFZsL'>The Vietnam Expressway Company</a> (VEC) on August 29 held a ceremony to open a 20-km section of the 55-km Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay.</p><br /><p>The section running from <a href='http://bit.ly/1namtUq'>Ring Road II in District</a> 9 in <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdG0Nq'>HCM City to National Highway</a> 51 in Long Thanh District has six lanes, including emergency lanes.</p><br /><p>At the ceremony, <a href='http://bit.ly/1fdmYsH'>Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong</a> highlighted the effectiveness of the expressway to the southern economic hub and praised the efforts of investors, contractors and consultants in speeding up construction for the project’s completion in 2015.</p><br /><p>After the ceremony, trucks of over 10 tonnes and container trucks from 20 feet to 40 feet long will be allowed to use the highway.</p><br /><p>The expressway allows vehicles to travel at 120km per hour, and at 100km per hour on Long Thanh bridge.</p><br /><p>The construction of the HCM City- Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway began in October 2009, with a total investment of more than 20.6 trillion VND (981 million USD) sourced from the <a href='http://bit.ly/1g6LwmB'>Asian Development Bank</a> (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />HCM City-Long Thanh-Day Giay expressway section inaugurated Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1namw2v" width="200"/><br/></div>

HCM City-Long Thanh-Day Giay expressway section inaugurated

HCM City-Long Thanh-Day Giay expressway section inaugurated The section of the 55-km Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay opened (photo: V...

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Hanoi-HCM air route over Laos, Cambodia to be trialled

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Hanoi-HCM air route over Laos, Cambodia to be trialled<br /><p>Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air have been asked to try an air route between <a href='http://bit.ly/1gwjab2'>Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City</a> over Laotian and Cambodian airspace from August 29 to September 3.</p><br /><p>According to recent correspondence between the <a href='http://bit.ly/NIFhOK'>Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam</a> (CAAV) and the carriers, Vietnam Airlines will use a flight simulator (SIM) for their A321 and B777 aircraft, while VietJet Air will run the simulation on its A320 planes.</p><br /><p>This move is part of ongoing efforts following <a href='http://bit.ly/1namtDL'>Transport Minister Dinh La Thang’s</a> instruction to launch the route as soon as possible, expecting it to shorten flights between <a href='http://bit.ly/1n9BB7r'>Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat</a> airports, thus saving fuel.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1548261'> </span> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1nvSTYT'>The CAAV</a> also asked Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air to coordinate their plans to implement the pilot SIM of the route.</p><br /><p>The airlines will submit a report to <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFZcv'>CAAV by September</a> 5, analysing the results of the flight simulation experiment, evaluating the potential costs for customers, and comparing the proposed new route with the current one.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1hcnco3'>In March</a> 2009, the CAAV received a proposal for the Hanoi-HCM City “golden air route” from former pilot <a href='http://bit.ly/UjImss'>Mai Trong Tuan</a>.</p><br /><p>The proposed air route would mean flights between the capital and the southern economic hub will fly over <a href='http://bit.ly/1namvM3'>Laotian and Cambodian</a> airspace, rather than over the ocean, following Vietnam’s “S” shaped coastline.</p><br /><p>Some experts think the new route could shorten flights by 26 minutes, whilst the <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFZsI'>CAAV and Vietnam Airlines</a> estimate time savings of around 5-7 minutes.</p><br /><p>Previously, the <a href='http://bit.ly/1heqgvY'>Ministry of Transport</a> had submitted a proposal to the Government on conducting further research on the route, also known as the “golden air route”.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Hanoi-HCM air route over Laos, Cambodia to be trialled Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Hanoi-HCM air route over Laos, Cambodia to be trialled

Hanoi-HCM air route over Laos, Cambodia to be trialled Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air have been asked to try an air route between Hanoi an...

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Vietnam eyes reduction in seed imports

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Vietnam eyes reduction in seed imports<br /><p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam has to learn from other countries in producing high-yield plant seeds, vice chairman of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1namt6T'>Viet Nam Seed Trade Association Le Quoc Hung</a> told newspaper Nong thon Ngay nay (<a href='http://bit.ly/1jvEQmT'>Countryside Today</a>).</em> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1namt6U'><img alt="1548253-20140826120631-seeds" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="335" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1namt6U" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p><strong>In 2013, Viet Nam spent US$500 million importing various types of plant seeds. Why did we have to spend such a huge sum of money to <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFZck'>import seeds</a> when we have all the necessary conditions to produce our own?</strong> </p><br /><p><span id='more-1548253'> </span> </p><br /><p>I think the sum of $500 million is still modest. Viet Nam may have to spend much more on importing plant seeds.</p><br /><p>In fact, a 20-year national seed programme has been approved by the <a href='http://bit.ly/1grLk75'>Prime Minister</a> with an open investment budget. By 2010, some VND 20 trillion ($943 million) from both the central and local government was invested in the programme.</p><br /><p>The way we use public money is like the saying “<a href='http://bit.ly/1namvvz'>pouring the money down the drain</a>.” Many projects have been conducted, but their results were poor.</p><br /><p>Though the government has adopted a number of policies to support the national seed programme, the impacts of these policies are limited. Coupled with that is the weak capability of our scientists. They just stop at description science and lack the capacity for molecular research. Nowadays, our research institutes and enterprises can produce seeds for between 5-10 seed species focused on rice, maize, rubber, coffee and pepper.</p><br /><p>When it comes to high-quality vegetables like cabbages and cauliflower or tubers and roots, we still have to import.</p><br /><p>I remember when in the past we had <a href='http://bit.ly/1namvvC'>Ha Giang and Yen Bai</a> kohlrabi species. But the productivity and quality of these kohlrabi species was so low, they disappeared and were replaced by the imported species.</p><br /><p>Furthermore, due to our poor science and technology, our hybrid seed production simply stops at F1, as in the case of seedless oranges. To produce super seeds, foreign seed companies have to spend hundreds of billions of dong.</p><br /><p><strong>With investment of only dozens of billions of dong, how can our seed companies produce super seeds comparable to those of their foreign peers?</strong> </p><br /><p>As you mentioned, our science and technology sector is still limited, so we have to import seeds. Why don’t we invest more money on importing advanced technology?</p><br /><p>If we could import advanced technology, that would be great. At present, many foreign companies are willing to sell the super seeds, but not the technology!</p><br /><p>Recently some foreign corporations have entered Viet Nam’s vegetable seeds market with the goal of selling their products, rather than investing in research or transferring technology to Vietnamese partners.</p><br /><p>In my opinion, the government should introduce policies to attract foreign companies to invest in seed research and development. This is a good way for Vietnamese companies to learn from them.</p><br /><p>The other point I want to mention is that it is high time for our country to have policies to encourage Vietnamese companies to focus more on seed research, particularly in human resources development.</p><br /><p><strong>According to reports, at present up to 80 per cent of seeds sold in our country are imported from foreign companies. What is your position on this?</strong> </p><br /><p>I think it is time for us to change our thinking about this, as foreign enterprises are part and parcel of our economy. Their presence in our country means they bring along with them new technology and provide employment to our people, particularly farmers. We have to admit that their technology is far more advanced than ours, maybe even by a hundred years.</p><br /><p><strong>If we view this in terms of money, one kg of their seeds costs several million dong. With one kg of those seeds we can produce 50-60 tonnes of products. Our seeds are much cheaper, but their yield is just about one-third of that of foreign seeds – about 20 tonnes. If you were a farmer, what seeds would you prefer to buy?</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1namvvD'>Regarding Vietnamese</a> seed enterprises, there are several ways for them to improve their competitiveness in order to compete with foreign companies. For example, they could hire foreign managers or start joint ventures with a foreign company, or act as a distributor for a foreign company and then little by little learn their technique. A case in point is the <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdG0wX'>An Giang Pesticide</a> company. At first, it acted as a distributor for the <a href='http://bit.ly/1namt6Z'>Syngenta Group</a>, then as time went by, it grew up and can now produce its own pesticides.</p><br /><p><strong>What should Viet Nam do to avoid being dependent on foreign seeds?</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1jPMw6E'>The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development</a> should review all plant seeds and breeding animals nationwide to see their strong and weak points. From that review, the ministry will then come up with specific plans to enhance our strengths and improve our weaknesses by learning from foreign countries.</p><br /><p>In addition, the government should give special incentives to enterprises specialising in seed production, including capital and human resources.</p><br /><p><em>VNS/VNN</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Vietnam eyes reduction in seed imports Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1namt6U" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnam eyes reduction in seed imports

Vietnam eyes reduction in seed imports VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam has to learn from other countries in producing high-yield plant seeds, v...

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Ho Chi Minh City to mark 10th anniv of flagship travel expo on Sept 11

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Ho Chi Minh City to mark 10th anniv of flagship travel expo on Sept 11<br /><p><strong>The International Travel Expo – Ho Chi Minh City (<a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFYVV'>ITE HCMC</a>) will celebrate its ten-year anniversary with the 2014 edition slated to kick off next month, the organizers announced Friday.</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1namvf8'><img alt="1548182-pf8pef85-759" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1namvf8" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFXBd'><img alt="1548182-txqlb8ot-263" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="295" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1CdFXBd" width="500"/> </a><strong><em><a href='#http://bit.ly/1namvvo'>Like us on Facebook</a> or <a href='#http://bit.ly/1CdFYVY'>follow us on Twitter</a> to get the latest news about Vietnam!</em> </strong> </p><br /><br/><br />Ho Chi Minh City to mark 10th anniv of flagship travel expo on Sept 11 Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1namvf8" width="200"/><br/></div>

Ho Chi Minh City to mark 10th anniv of flagship travel expo on Sept 11

Ho Chi Minh City to mark 10th anniv of flagship travel expo on Sept 11 The International Travel Expo – Ho Chi Minh City ( ITE HCMC ) will ce...

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Vietnam firm unveils potatoes grown without soil

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Vietnam firm unveils potatoes grown without soil<br /><p><strong>A farming business in the <a href='http://bit.ly/1fejOVo'>Central Highlands</a> city of Da Lat has introduced its first ten tons of potatoes grown without soil to the market in an ambitious effort to drive away Chinese products from Vietnam’s vegetables hub.</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1namuYt'><img alt="1548098-ulp0vdqr" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="295" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1namuYt" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFYFo'>Langbiang Farm</a> director <a href='http://bit.ly/1namszO'>Tran Huy Duong</a> started seeking solutions to increase the quality of his potatoes in mid-2012, when Chinese potatoes were transported to Da Lat, the capital city of <a href='http://bit.ly/1gs3CW0'>Lam Dong Province</a>, and covered with the city’s typical red mud to be distributed to other localities under disguise of the reputable Da Lat produce.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1548098'> </span> </p><br /><p>Duong wanted to have Da Lat potatoes no longer recognized by the mud-covered skins, but the thin, soft and clean skins, and big and all-alike tubs.</p><br /><p>The director ended up adopting the <a href='#http://bit.ly/1CdFYFr'><strong>hydroponic technology</strong> </a>, an agricultural method that does not require soil.</p><br /><p>Instead, potatoes are placed in a growing medium consisting of a mixture of coconut fiber and rice husks. The mixture has no nutritional value, but helps the tomato roots adhere to the medium and enables the plants to absorb nearly all of the nutrients poured into the growing medium.</p><br /><p>Nutrients and water are provided to the plants via a drip irrigation system, which pumps these necessities drop by drop into them multiple times a day.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFXkE'>We can control the contents of nutrition from the fertilizer, and thus avoid heavy metals and pesticide residues</a>,” Duong said.</p><br /><p>After two experimental crops, Langbiang Farm was able to produce the first ten tons product, to the joy of its director.</p><br /><p>The productivity of potatoes grown under the hydroponic technology is 30 percent lower than the traditional method of outdoor crops, but their prices are 1.5 to 2 times higher because they are considered hi-tech agricultural produce, Duong said.</p><br /><p>“While investment for the hi-tech crop is up to three times higher than the traditional one, we can save 30 percent of fertilizer costs, while the risks of damages by weather is only 20 percent compared to 70 percent of outdoor crops,” he added.</p><br /><p>The director said what’s more interesting is that his potatoes can be harvested without the need of hoes or shovels.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1namuYD'>Employees only need to wear gloves and take the potatoes as if picking fruits on the trees</a>.”</p><br /><p><strong>Beating Chinese potatoes</strong> </p><br /><p>Nguyen Van Son, deputy director of <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFYVI'>Lam Dong Department of Agriculture and Rural Development</a>, said the department will cooperate with its technology and sciences and Langbiang Farm to enhance the technology to produce high-quality potatoes with competitive prices.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1namveS'>The hydroponic technology is a strong tool to drive away Chinese potatoes disguising as Da Lat produce</a>,” Son pressed.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFXkJ'>Nguyen Ba Hung</a>, an agriculture expert, said hydroponic technology has been applied for tomato, strawberry, and pea crops, but is not common in growing potatoes.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1namszY'>If this potato growing model is spread, Da Lat will be able to supply its fresh, clean potatoes all year round</a>,” he said.</p><br /><p>Da Lat farmers currently do not grow potatoes during the rainy season, which opens the door for Chinese potatoes to penetrate.</p><br /><p>Duong said Langbiang Farm is willing to transfer its growing technology to any farmers free of charge.</p><br /><p><strong><strong><em><a href='#http://bit.ly/1namveV'>Like us on Facebook</a> or <a href='#http://bit.ly/1CdFXkQ'>follow us on Twitter</a> to get the latest news about Vietnam!</em> </strong> </strong> </p><br /><br/><br />Vietnam firm unveils potatoes grown without soil Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1namuYt" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnam firm unveils potatoes grown without soil

Vietnam firm unveils potatoes grown without soil A farming business in the Central Highlands city of Da Lat has introduced its first ten to...

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Economists support PM’s speech on closing weak banks

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Economists support PM’s speech on closing weak banks<br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFYFg'><img alt="1548086-bank3042011-03fa4-458" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="265" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1CdFYFg" width="400"/> </a> </p><br /><br/><br />Economists support PM’s speech on closing weak banks Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1CdFYFg" width="200"/><br/></div>

Economists support PM’s speech on closing weak banks

Economists support PM’s speech on closing weak banks Economists support PM’s speech on closing weak banks Related image(s)

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Tablet sales slow as PCs find footing: IDC

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Tablet sales slow as PCs find footing: IDC<br /><p><strong>Tablets won’t eclipse personal computers as fast as once thought, according to studies by market tracker <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9uNlO'>International Data Corporation</a> (IDC).</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1namp6Y'><img alt="1548013-3leahoos" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="294" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1CdFYoQ" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1namrvM'>IDC on Friday</a> cut its forecast for shipments of tablets and “two-in-one” devices combining tablet and laptop features to 233.1 million, saying growth would be about half of what was originally predicted.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1548013'> </span> </p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1namrvO'>When we look at the global picture, it would be easy to say that the tablet market is slowing down</a>,” said IDC research director for tablets <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFWNH'>Jean Philippe Bouchard</a>.</p><br /><p>“But, when we start digging into the regional dynamics, we realize that there is still a good appetite for this product category.”</p><br /><p>While shipments in mature markets such as <a href='http://bit.ly/1namrvQ'>North America and Western Europe</a> were forecast to remain flat, those in emerging regions were expected to climb overall by 12 percent.</p><br /><p>Meanwhile, the outlook for personal computer (PC) shipments was less dreary than originally envisioned, due in part to businesses replacing machines powered by outdated <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFYoX'>Windows XP</a> software.</p><br /><p>IDC forecast that worldwide PC shipments would fall by 3.7 percent this year instead of by six percent as it had predicted earlier.</p><br /><p>Growth in shipments of desktop and laptop computers in mature markets would be more than offset by reduction in emerging markets such as Asia, <a href='http://bit.ly/1namp75'>Latin America and the Middle East</a>, according to IDC.</p><br /><p>“Programs to reduce PC prices, such as Windows 8.1 with Bing, have helped to improve PC shipments in some segments,” said IDC senior research analyst <a href='http://bit.ly/1CdFWNI'>Jay Chou</a>.</p><br /><p>“Nevertheless, the prospects for significant PC growth in the long term remain tenuous, as users increasingly see PCs as only one of several computing devices.”</p><br /><p>People seem to be waiting longer to replace PCs and are increasingly tempted by alternate computing platforms, according to IDC.</p><br /><p>A separate IDC report this week estimated that more that 1.25 billion smartphones would ship worldwide this year in a jump of nearly 24 percent from the 1.01 billion shipped last year.</p><br /><p>The number of smartphones shipped was expected by IDC to climb to 1.8 billion annually during the next four years.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1namp7a'>The smartphone market, which has experienced runaway growth over the last several years, is starting to slow</a>,” said IDC research manager <a href='http://bit.ly/1namrMf'>Ramon Llamas</a>.</p><br /><p>“The key for vendors now is to maintain a presence in the higher-margin mature markets, while establishing a sustainable presence within the fast-growing emerging markets.”</p><br /><br/><br />Tablet sales slow as PCs find footing: IDC Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1CdFYoQ" width="200"/><br/></div>

Tablet sales slow as PCs find footing: IDC

Tablet sales slow as PCs find footing: IDC Tablets won’t eclipse personal computers as fast as once thought, according to studies by market ...

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Thanh Hoa sign Anjembe Timothy

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 430px' id='attachment_1547543'><a href='http://ift.tt/1wOW5ZJ'><img alt="Anjembe Timothy. - Photo thethao247" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="243" rel="lightbox" src="http://ift.tt/1wOW5ZJ" width="420"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Anjembe Timothy. - Photo thethao247</p><br /></div><br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) – Thanh Hoa have signed a one-year contract with Anjembe Timothy, a trouble-maker in V-League.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547542'> </span> </p><br /><p>The Nigerian has hit the headlines during the last four years not only for his shooting skills on the field, but also for his hot temper which led to several fights during practice and matches.</p><br /><p>Last season Timothy played for Hoang Anh Gia Lai where he scored 18 goals, and was the second best scorer. A year earlier, he was the best striker with 17 goals.</p><br /><p>Nguyen Van De, Thanh Hoa’s chairman, said he knew how to manage the player with a contract that has many articles regulating Timothy’s behaviour. The striker could be fined up to VND5 billion (US$238,000) in case he breaks any contract clause.</p><br /><p>To prepare for the new season, the team has also signed a contract with midfielder Van Bakel. They plan to recruit Thanh Hoa Province-born midfielder Le Van Thang and striker Hoang Dinh Tung too.</p><br /><p>Thanh Hoa finished the 2013-14 season in third place with 40 points after 22 matches. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Thanh Hoa sign Anjembe Timothy Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1wOW5ZJ" width="200"/><br/></div>

Thanh Hoa sign Anjembe Timothy

Anjembe Timothy. - Photo thethao247 HA NOI (VNS) – Thanh Hoa have signed a one-year contract with Anjembe Timothy, a trouble-maker in V-Lea...

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Van Persie expects van Gaal to revive spluttering United

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1qmrooH'><img alt="1547503-manchester-united-s-dutch" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://ift.tt/1tgzvqD" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p>Robin van Persie insists troubled Manchester United will quickly turn the corner under new manager Louis van Gaal as they prepare to face <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QwNh'>Burnley on Saturday</a> (Aug 29).</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547503'> </span> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QxAN'>Manchester United’s Dutch</a> striker Robin van Persie. (AFP/<a href='http://ift.tt/1kFu3ul'>Paul Ellis</a>)</p><br /><p>BURNLEY: Robin van Persie insists troubled Manchester United will quickly turn the corner under new manager Louis van Gaal as they prepare to face Burnley on Saturday (Aug 29). <a href='http://ift.tt/1vUugPk'>Van Gaal’s</a> disappointing start hit a new low in midweek as United suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at third tier minnows <a href='http://ift.tt/1ldeZUT'>Milton Keynes Dons in the League Cup</a> second round.</p><br /><p>Before that United lost their opening game of the season at home to <a href='http://ift.tt/1lYXt3y'>Swansea City</a> and drew 1-1 away to Sunderland last weekend. But, lifted by <a href='http://ift.tt/1qmrooL'>United’s British</a> record £59.7 million (S$124 million) signing of Argentina midfielder <a href='http://bit.ly/1owXhXQ'>Angel Di Maria</a>, Dutch striker van Persie is confident that, despite a difficult start to life for his compatriot, there will be an upturn in fortunes in the near future.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://ift.tt/1tgzxP2'>I think that everyone has faith and everyone believes in the staff and players</a>,” van Persie said ahead of <a href='http://ift.tt/1qmrqNu'>Di Maria’s</a> expected debut at Turf Moor. “We have great players, and it’s just a matter of time before the points will start coming in. We’ve played two games and only picked up one point, we would have loved to have got six points but it didn’t happen, so we have to bounce back.</p><br /><p>“I worked with Louis van Gaal for two years, and he’s clear in what he asks of each player in the team every day. So, where I can, I will help the other players. We dropped two points against Sunderland. If you go in front after 15 minutes or so, we should have at least held on to that for longer. We were a bit too sloppy in possession, and in that sense we made it too hard for ourselves.”</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1tgzxP6'>REGAINING SHARPNESS</a> </p><br /><p>Van Persie featured for the first time this season against Sunderland after being given extra time to rest after the <a href='http://ift.tt/1hswkq0'>World Cup</a> and admitted he is regaining his sharpness. “I feel good, I feel fit,” <a href='http://ift.tt/1qmrr3K'>Van Persie added</a>. “I had a good few weeks of training and played my first hour today, so I’ll look forward to the game against Burnley.”</p><br /><p>Meanwhile, Burnley manager <a href='http://ift.tt/1tgzxPa'>Sean Dyche</a> admits he has struggled in the transfer market, while watching United spend more on Di Maria than his club have in their entire history. Burnley, who host the <a href='http://ift.tt/1qmrr3M'>United at Turf Moor</a>, have paid around £45 million in fees for players since the club was founded in 1882. By contrast, United have splashed out nearly £60 million on Di Maria alone.</p><br /><p>“Some of the figures mentioned are bizarre in my world. It’s a tough market,” <a href='http://ift.tt/1tgzxPc'>Dyche said</a>. “I think it’s moved on from this time last season. The figures we got for selling <a href='http://ift.tt/1qmrr3O'>Charlie Austin to QPR</a> compared to what strikers are going for this season are incredibly different. Some of it has taken the board by surprise, the numbers involved in certain situations.</p><br /><p>“It is the reality of what we are. I think everyone knows the gap. I don’t know what clubs these alleged players are going to for the figures quoted. Some of them won’t be coming here with the money mentioned. Last season we went out in the market and didn’t spend anything. Then we finally get some money, but there are all kinds of situations that have to be balanced off at the club.”</p><br /><p>Burnley have no fresh injury concerns ahead of United’s visit, with striker <a href='http://ift.tt/1tgzvGZ'>Sam Vokes</a> (knee) and young defender <a href='http://ift.tt/1qmroF7'>Cameron Dummigan</a> (hip) both still on the treatment table. United will include Di Maria in their squad while fellow new signing defender <a href='http://ift.tt/1wukALu'>Marcos Rojo</a> is still awaiting a work permit so may not be available. Van Gaal will also check on the fitness of a number of players including midfielders <a href='http://ift.tt/1pKRdfm'>Shinji Kagawa</a> (<a href='http://ift.tt/1tgzvH3'>concussion</a>), <a href='http://ift.tt/1qmrr3S'>Ander Hererra</a> (ankle) and Marouane Fellaini (foot) as well as defender Chris Smalling (groin).</p><br /><p><em>Source AFP</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Van Persie expects van Gaal to revive spluttering United Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1tgzvqD" width="200"/><br/></div>

Van Persie expects van Gaal to revive spluttering United

Robin van Persie insists troubled Manchester United will quickly turn the corner under new manager Louis van Gaal as they prepare to face ...

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Spurs, Inter Milan qualify for Europa League group stage

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVTd1'><img alt="1547335-tottenham-1" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1n4QyVq" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVTd3'>Tottenham and Inter Milan on Thursday</a> (Aug 28) qualified for the Europa League group stage draw but among those failing to make it across the play-off line were <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QAwD'>Lyon and Real Sociedad</a>.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547335'> </span> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVTd7'>Tottenham Hotspur’s Brazilian</a> midfielder Paulinho (L) tries an overhead shot on goal that is saved during the <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QzbM'>UEFA Europa League</a> qualifying round play-off second-leg football match against <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVUgV'>AEL Limassol at White Hart Lane in London</a>. (AFP/BEN STANSALL)</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Q6qj7e'>PARIS</a>: Tottenham and Inter Milan on Thursday (Aug 28) qualified for the Europa League group stage draw but among those failing to make it across the play-off line were Lyon and Real Sociedad.</p><br /><p>Also missing from Friday’s draw in Monaco were <a href='http://bit.ly/1pnfnjC'>Hull City</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QAMX'>Spurs’ Premier League</a> rivals who agonisingly on their first European adventure lost out on away goals to Belgian outfit Lokeren.</p><br /><p>Tottenham continued their bright start to the season with a 3-0 win at White Hart Lane over Cypriot outfit Limassol earning them a 5-1 aggregate victory.</p><br /><p>The goals in an impressive showing by the north Londoners came from <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVTto'>Harry Kane</a>, who also had a penalty saved, Paulinho and Andros Townsend.</p><br /><p>The play-off success extended new manager <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QzbW'>Maurico Pochettino’s</a> winning streak to four matches in all competitions since his arrival from Southampton in the close-season.</p><br /><p>Tottenham won a penalty when <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QzbY'>Karim Fegrouch</a> brought down <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVUh8'>Kyle Naughton</a> with just six minutes on the clock. <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4Qzc2'>The AEL</a> goalkeeper was taken to hospital after receiving a nasty-looking knee to the head in the collision, but his replacement <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVTtt'>Pulpo Romero</a> kept out Kane’s spot-kick. But young striker Kane netted on the stroke of half-time after poor Limassol defending.</p><br /><p>Paulinho provided the assist and the Brazilian midfielder was the beneficiary of more sloppy play from the Cypriots four minutes into the second half when he fired home to double the lead. Townsend then celebrated his England recall by slotting home a 66th minute penalty.</p><br /><p>Hull, having lost 1-0 in the first leg, needed a two-goal win at the <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVTtw'>KC Stadium</a> to progress. But while Robbie Brady’s brace was enough to ensure a 2-1 victory, <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVTtA'>Jordan Remacle’s</a> 49th minute strike proved crucial in separating the sides.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVUxt'>The Tigers</a>, who qualified for the competition after reaching the FA Cup final last season, suffered a setback in the 72nd minute when Ivorian striker <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QAN9'>Yannick Sagbo</a> was sent off for a rash lunge on <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVTtD'>Giorgios Galitsios</a>.</p><br /><p>There was late drama as Tom Huddlestone’s late strike was blocked on the line by defender <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4Qzsy'>Alexander Scholz</a> with the last kick of the game as the visitors advanced.</p><br /><p>Inter Milan sauntered into the draw with a 6-0 second leg rout for a 9-0 aggregate win over <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVWp7'>Iceland’s Stjarnan</a>.</p><br /><p>Dutch 1978 UEFA Cup champions <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QB3r'>PSV Eindhoven</a> maintained their interest on Europe’s second tier competition with defeat of Belarus side <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVWpi'>Shakhtyor Soligorsk</a>.</p><br /><p>A total of 31 places in Friday’s draw in Monaco were up for grabs on Thursday in a competition which for the first time rewards the winner with automatic qualification for the <a href='http://bit.ly/1goKRla'>Champions League</a>.</p><br /><p>Thursday’s play-off winners join the ten Champions League play-off losers and seven automatically qualified teams in the group stages which get underway on September 10.</p><br /><p>Among those noticeable by their absence were former multiple French champions and Champions League regulars Lyon, who crashed out on away goals to <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QCo6'>Romania’s Astra Giurgiu</a>.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVWFy'>Spaniards’ Real Sociedad</a> also failed to cross the line. Leading 1-0 after last week Real came unstuck 3-0 at Fussian outfit Krasnodar.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QCEs'>While Lyon</a> missed out another <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVWFC'>French Ligue</a> 1 side, former European heavyweights Saint Etienne scraped past Turkey’s Karabukspor on spot-kicks.</p><br /><p><em><strong>Europa League play-off second leg results:</strong> </em> </p><br /><p>Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS) 1 <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QBjT'>Apollon Limassol</a> (CYP) 4</p><br /><p>(Apollon win 5-2 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Omonia Nicosia (CYP) 1 <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVWFJ'>Dynamo Moscow</a> (RUS) 2</p><br /><p>(Dynamo win 4-3 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Neftci PFK (AZE) 1 Partizan Belgrade (SRB) 2</p><br /><p>(Partizan win 5-3 on aggregate)</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QCEx'>Metalist Kharkiv</a> (UKR) 1 Ruch Chorzow (POL) 0 (<a href='http://bit.ly/1tcIsBj'>after extra time</a>)</p><br /><p>(Metalist win 1-0 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Krasnodar (RUS) 3 Real Sociedad (ESP) 0</p><br /><p>(Krasnodar win 3-1 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>PAOK (GRE) 4 <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVWW4'>Zimbru Chisinau</a> (MDA) 0</p><br /><p>(PAOK win 4-1 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Astra Giurgiu (ROM) 0 Lyon (FRA) 1</p><br /><p>(Aggregate 2-2. Astra win on away goals)</p><br /><p>Rostov (RUS) 0 Trabzonspor (TUR) 0</p><br /><p>(Trabzonspor win 2-0 on aggregate)</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVV4s'>Sheriff Tiraspol</a> (MDA) 0 Rijeka (CRO) 3</p><br /><p>(Rijeka win 4-0 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Shakhtyor Soligorsk (BLR) 0 PSV Eindhoven (NED) 2</p><br /><p>(PSV win 3-0 on aggregate)</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVWWc'>Hajduk Split</a> (CRO) 0 Dnipro (UKR) 0</p><br /><p>(Dnipro win 2-1 on aggregate)</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QBAp'>FC Twente</a> (NED) 1 Qarabag (AZE) 1</p><br /><p>(Aggregate 1-1. Qarabag win on away goals)</p><br /><p>Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) 3 Asteras (GRE) 1</p><br /><p>(Aggregate 3-3. Asteras win on away goals)</p><br /><p>Feyenoord (NED) 4 <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVWWg'>Zorya Luhansk</a> (UKR) 3</p><br /><p>(Feyenoord win 5-4 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Midtjylland (DEN) 1 Panathinaikos (GRE) 2</p><br /><p>(Panathinaikos win 6-2 on aggregate)</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QCEK'>Rapid Vienna</a> (AUT) 3 <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QBAw'>HJK Helsinki</a> (FIN) 3</p><br /><p>(HJK win 6-4 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Torino (ITA) 1 <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QBAD'>RNK Split</a> (CRO) 0</p><br /><p>(Torino win 1-0 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Debrecen (HUN) v Young Boys (SUI)</p><br /><p>(Young Boys win 3-1 on aggregate)</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QBAH'>Sparta Prague</a> (CZE) 3 Zwolle (NED) 1</p><br /><p>(Sparta win 4-2 on aggregate)</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QCVf'>FC Zurich</a> (SUI) 1 Spartak Trnava (SVK) 1</p><br /><p>(Zurich win 4-2 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Villarreal (ESP) 4 Astana (KAZ) 0</p><br /><p>(Villarreal win 7-0 on aggregate)</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVV4E'>Borussia Moenchengladbach</a> (GER) 7 Sarajevo (BIH) 0</p><br /><p>(M’gladbach win 10-2 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Inter Milan (ITA) 6 Stjarnan (ISL) 0</p><br /><p>(Inter win 9-0 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Nacional (POR) 2 <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QDbx'>Dinamo Minsk</a> (BLR) 3</p><br /><p>(Dinamo win 5-2 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Hull City (ENG) 2 Lokeren (BEL) 1</p><br /><p>(Aggregate 2-2. Lokeren win on away goals)</p><br /><p>Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) 3 AEL Limassol (CYP) 0</p><br /><p>(Tottenham win 5-1 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Debrecen (HUN) 0 <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVV4H'>Young Boys</a> (SUI) 0</p><br /><p>(Young Boys win 3-1 on aggregate)</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1wOVXtl'>Club Brugge</a> (BEL) 1 Grasshoppers (SUI) 0</p><br /><p>(Brugge win 3-1 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Legia Warsaw (POL) 2 Aktobe (KAZ) 0</p><br /><p>(Legia win 3-0 on aggregate)</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1ko8jD2'>Dinamo Zagreb</a> (CRO) 2 Petrolul (ROM) 1</p><br /><p>(Dinamo win 5-2 on aggregate)</p><br /><p>Saint-Etienne (FRA) 1 Karabukspor (TUR) 0</p><br /><p>(Aggregate 1-1. St-Etienne win 4-3 on penalties)</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1n4QFjG'>Rio Ave</a> (POR) 1 Elfsborg (SWE) 0</p><br /><p>(Aggregate 2-2. Rio win on away goals)</p><br /><p><em>Source AFP</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Spurs, Inter Milan qualify for Europa League group stage Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1n4QyVq" width="200"/><br/></div>

Spurs, Inter Milan qualify for Europa League group stage

Tottenham and Inter Milan on Thursday (Aug 28) qualified for the Europa League group stage draw but among those failing to make it across...

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Viet Nam Open to attract int’l athletes

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>HA NOI (VNS) – <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVSWr'>The Yonex Sunrise Viet Nam Open</a> badminton tournament will be organised from September 1 to 9 in HCM City.</p><br /><p>More than 170 players will compete in five categories of men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles events for a total prize of US$50,000 at the HCM City’s Phan Dinh Phung Gymnasium.</p><br /><p>Indonesia will send the highest number of players, 74, followed by the hosts (46) and Malaysia (45).</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QAwq'>Top Vietnamese</a> player <a href='http://bit.ly/1j2FMj4'>Nguyen Tien Minh</a> is seeded No 3 this year at the tournament, after he dropped to No 30 in the world ranking.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547320'> </span> </p><br /><p>Minh yesterday lost 16-21, 17-21 to No 14 seed <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QyET'>Viktor Axelsen of Denmark</a> at the third round of the World Badminton Championships’ men’s singles in Copenhagen.</p><br /><p>His teammate <a href='http://bit.ly/P4Hs03'>Vu Thi Trang</a> also failed to continue after suffering a quick defeat of 12-21, 7-21 to No 2 seed Shixian from China in the women’s singles category. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Viet Nam Open to attract int’l athletes Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Viet Nam Open to attract int’l athletes

HA NOI (VNS) – The Yonex Sunrise Viet Nam Open badminton tournament will be organised from September 1 to 9 in HCM City. More than 170 play...

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Dong Thap win national U15 trophy

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>DONG THAP (VNS) – Dong Thap won the National U15 Football Championship title yesterday, beating PVF 5-3 in the penalty shootout at HCM City’s Thong Nhat Stadium.</p><br /><p>The official time ended with the score tied at 1-1.</p><br /><p>Tran Cong Minh scored for Dong Thap five minutes into the first half while Van Xuan of PFV leveled the result 25 minutes later from a penalty.</p><br /><p>After 90 minutes, the two sides entered the penalties in which Dong Thap succeeded four times while defending champions PFV could manage only two goals.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547319'> </span> </p><br /><p>Ha Noi T&T and Viettel shared third places. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Dong Thap win national U15 trophy Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Dong Thap win national U15 trophy

DONG THAP (VNS) – Dong Thap won the National U15 Football Championship title yesterday, beating PVF 5-3 in the penalty shootout at HCM City’...

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Hai Phong part company with Kerr

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 460px' id='attachment_1547318'><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4Qyog'><img alt="English Dylan Kerr loses his job in Viet Nam" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="296" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1n4Qyog" width="450"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>English Dylan Kerr loses his job in Viet Nam</p><br /></div><br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) – V-League’s Hai Phong will not renew its contract with English coach Dylan Kerr for the upcoming season.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547317'> </span> </p><br /><p>Kerr had taken charge as the manager of the side in January after working for nearly two years as a physical trainer.</p><br /><p>Kerr and his team were placed 10th out of 12 teams at the V-League, which was not a result that their owners had expected. But the team won the National Cup trophy two weeks ago.</p><br /><p>Kerr said he was happy to work in Viet Nam and expected to return in the future.</p><br /><p>With his departure, there are no foreigners working in V-League now.</p><br /><p>Coach Vu Quang Bao also bid farewell to Quang Nam who are aiming to stay with the national premier league in its first season.</p><br /><p>Bao said he was looking for better career opportunities after working for two years with Quang Nam. He had successfully guided the team to the No 8 position. Bao also led the team to the V-League for the first time in 2013.</p><br /><p>Before his departure, Bao helped bring national U23 striker Mac Hong Quan to the Tam Ky field for the next season. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Hai Phong part company with Kerr Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1n4Qyog" width="200"/><br/></div>

Hai Phong part company with Kerr

English Dylan Kerr loses his job in Viet Nam HA NOI (VNS) – V-League’s Hai Phong will not renew its contract with English coach Dylan Kerr ...

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Don’t expect Di Maria to transform Man Utd, warns van Gaal

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVQhe'><img alt="1547282-angel-di-maria-and-louis" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1n4QxAL" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p>Despite breaking the British transfer record to sign <a href='http://bit.ly/1owXhXQ'>Angel Di Maria</a>, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says that the Argentinian midfielder is not a miracle worker.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547282'> </span> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QxAN'>Manchester United’s Dutch</a> manager Louis van Gaal (R) and Manchester United’s newly-signed Argentinian midfielder Angel Di Maria (L) pose with his number 7 shirt during an official presentation on the pitch at <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QwNb'>Old Trafford in Manchester</a>, north-west England.</p><br /><p>(AFP/STEVE PARKIN)</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1fqockj'>LONDON</a>: Louis van Gaal admits not even his record-breaking swoop for Angel Di Maria will be enough to revive Manchester United immediately as the Argentina star prepares for his debut at <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QwNh'>Burnley on Saturday</a> (Aug 30).</p><br /><p>Van Gaal shattered the British transfer record with his £59.7 million (S$123.6 million) signing of Di Maria from <a href='http://bit.ly/1hmUqwx'>Real Madrid</a> as he continued a major overhaul of United’s underachieving squad which has exceeded £130 million since he took charge. Di Maria should get his first taste of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1gbdNNc'>Premier League</a> at some stage during United’s trip to <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QxAW'>Turf Moor</a>, but van Gaal isn’t expecting miracles from the midfielder despite his impressive pedigree.</p><br /><p>United are still waiting for their first victory under van Gaal after losing to Swansea, drawing with Sunderland and then suffering an abject 4-0 defeat at <a href='http://bit.ly/VkfEYK'>League One</a> minnows Milton Keynes Dons in midweek.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QxRc'>Although David Moyes</a>‘ ill-fated reign left plenty of problems, van Gaal’s poor start is still a surprise and, while the former Netherlands coach didn’t want to criticise his predecessors at Old Trafford, he made it clear the issues at United won’t be solved by Di Maria alone.</p><br /><p>“That is looking at the past. That is a question that I don’t want to answer. Why? Because I want to show my respect to <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVRSr'>David Moyes and Mr</a> (Alex) Ferguson,” van Gaal said when asked if he had been left with a poor squad. “I think we have to look to the future and what we are doing now which is restoring and rebuilding a new team. That takes time and I am sorry to say that for the fans. We cannot expect after two days’ training that Di Maria is the miracle what I already read about. You have to work for the miracle. He has to adapt to the qualities of the team but also the team has to adapt to his qualities.”</p><br /><p><strong>CONTROVERSIAL ITALIAN</strong> </p><br /><p>Di Maria won’t be the only high-profile debutant this weekend as controversial bad-boy <a href='http://bit.ly/1oyvJ6c'>Mario Balotelli</a> makes his return to the Premier League when his new club Liverpool travel to leaders Tottenham. Balotelli joined <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDYl0J'>Brendan Rodgers</a>‘ side from <a href='http://bit.ly/1lovWbs'>AC Milan</a> for £16 million after agreeing to a contract that will reward the Italian for good behaviour.</p><br /><p>The former <a href='http://bit.ly/NRljl3'>Manchester City</a> forward left England after three turbulent years marred by training ground fights, car crashes and a bizarre incident when he set fire to his bathroom while letting off fireworks. <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVS8N'>But Reds</a> boss Rodgers is confident he can get the best out of Balotelli, who watched from the stands when Liverpool lost 3-1 defeat at <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QxRm'>City on Monday</a>, but is expected to be involved at White Hart Lane.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVQxS'>I am excited to work with him, he’s a player of massive quality</a>,” Liverpool midfielder <a href='http://bit.ly/1iWC4Dk'>Joe Allen</a> said. “He has that spontaneous edge to him and it is a massive threat he’s going to give us. We are disappointed with Monday’s result but all of us are excited for the chance to put things right.”</p><br /><p>Chelsea have a 100 per cent record, but those wins came against newly-promoted <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVQxY'>Burnley and Leicester</a>, making Saturday’s trip to Everton the first serious test of the Blues’ title credentials. Jose Mourinho’s side are likely to come up against one or both of their former strikers <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVS8Z'>Romelu Lukaku and Samuel Eto’o</a>.</p><br /><p>Lukaku, who hopes to recover from a toe injury, and Eto’o, who could make his debut after joining Everton this week, were both allowed to leave <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QxRt'>Chelsea by Mourinho and Blues</a> captain <a href='http://bit.ly/1hz7NyJ'>John Terry</a> knows the old boys will be out for revenge. “<a href='http://bit.ly/1n4Qy7M'>We’ve struggled away to Everton in the last couple of years</a>,” Terry said. “With that in mind we know it’s going to be tough. Obviously big Rom (Lukaku) will be up front as well, with a point to prove – him being sold from the club. They are going to be up for it. It’s a big test for us.”</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVSpi'>Champions City</a> are also off to a 100 per cent start and will expect to maintain their winning record at home to Stoke, while Arsenal travel to <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QzJ3'>Leicester on Sunday</a> buoyed by their <a href='http://bit.ly/1goKRla'>Champions League</a> play-off victory over Besiktas in midweek. Neil Warnock begins his second spell in charge of <a href='http://bit.ly/1tcIsky'>Crystal Palace</a> with a trip to Newcastle.</p><br /><p><em>Source AFP</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Don’t expect Di Maria to transform Man Utd, warns van Gaal Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1n4QxAL" width="200"/><br/></div>

Don’t expect Di Maria to transform Man Utd, warns van Gaal

Despite breaking the British transfer record to sign Angel Di Maria , Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says that the Argentinian m...

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Djokovic, Serena, Murray sail through on New York breeze

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1547914'><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4Qxkd'><img alt="IVANOVIC, STOSUR BEATEN" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1wOVRBT" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>IVANOVIC, STOSUR BEATEN</p><br /></div><br /><p>Eighth-seeded Ana Ivanovic suffered her earliest US Open exit in five years when the former world number one lost 7-5, 6-4 to Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic, the world number 42. The Serb followed fourth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska out of the tournament after the Pole had been beaten by Peng Shuai 24 hours earlier. The former French Open champion was undone by 29 unforced errors.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547277'> </span> </p><br /><p>“It’s very disappointing. It’s never easy to finish this early,” said Ivanovic. “I’m definitely going to assess what went wrong and what I can work on. I really felt it wasn’t my game out there today.”</p><br /><p>Stosur, the 24th seed, squandered two match points in a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (10/8) defeat to Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi, a six-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist. There were no such dramas for Kvitova who defeated fellow Czech Petra Cetkovska 6-4, 6-2.</p><br /><p>Victoria Azarenka, the runner-up to Williams for the past two years, also made it through, winning nine games in succession from 0-3 down to defeat Christina McHale of the United States 6-3, 6-2.</p><br /><p>The United States only saw three men making the second round – the country’s lowest total in the history of the tournament – but 13th seed John Isner and Querrey have made it to the last 32. Isner, a quarter-finalist in 2011, beat Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-2 while Querrey beat Spain’s Guillermo Garcia Lopez for the fourth time in four meetings – including last week’s Winston Salem warm-up – thanks to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory.</p><br /><p>Australian 19-year-old Nick Kyrgios, who famously defeated Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon, reached the third round by seeing off Italy’s Andreas Seppi 6-4, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. He will next face Spanish veteran Tommy Robredo who came back from two sets to love down for the seventh time in seeing off Italy’s Simone Bolelli 5-7, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.</p><br /><p><em>Source AFP</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Djokovic, Serena, Murray sail through on New York breeze Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1wOVRBT" width="200"/><br/></div>

Djokovic, Serena, Murray sail through on New York breeze

IVANOVIC, STOSUR BEATEN Eighth-seeded Ana Ivanovic suffered her earliest US Open exit in five years when the former world number one lost 7...

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Ronaldo wins another European award for his museum

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><strong>Cristiano Ronaldo, whose extra-time penalty put the seal on Real Madrid’s 4-1 Champions League final victory over <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVPKo'>Atletico Madrid in May</a>, was named UEFA’s Best Player in Europe on Thursday.</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVPKp'><img alt="1547223-xmx8djc7" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="295" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1wOVPKp" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p>Ronaldo scored 17 goals in all as Real won the title for the 10th time. <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVRlr'>The Portuguese</a> was presented with the award in <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVPKq'>Monte Carlo by UEFA President Michel Platini</a> at the end of the draw for this season’s <a href='http://bit.ly/1goKRla'>Champions League</a>.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547223'> </span> </p><br /><p>He won ahead of <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVRls'>Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben and Manuel Neuer</a> in a live vote by a panel of 54 journalists.</p><br /><p>“I’m really happy, so I must say thanks to my team-mates because without the team, individual awards would not be possible. I don’t have this trophy in my museum, so my brother is going to put it there immediately,” he said.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4Qwgb'>Nadine Kessler</a> won the women’s award after captaining VfL Wolfsburg to the women’s Champions League title, ahead of team-mates <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVRlv'>Nilla Fischer and Martina Mueller</a>.</p><br /><p>Ronaldo opened a museum on Madeira in 2013 to showcase his trophies and medals.</p><br /><br/><br />Ronaldo wins another European award for his museum Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1wOVPKp" width="200"/><br/></div>

Ronaldo wins another European award for his museum

Cristiano Ronaldo, whose extra-time penalty put the seal on Real Madrid’s 4-1 Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid in May , w...

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WB funding to reduce poverty in Central-Central Highlands regions

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>WB funding to reduce poverty in Central-Central Highlands regions<br /><p>A project funded by the <a href='http://bit.ly/1p3YFUj'>World Bank</a> (WB), aiming to boost poverty reduction in the Central and Central Highlands regions, was ceremoniously launched in the central province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1zlHKjm'>Quang Ngai on August</a> 29.</p><br /><p>Speaking at the event, director of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4Qu8a'>National Project Coordination Committee Tran Ngoc Hung</a> said the six-year project will be carried out in line with the financial assistance agreement signed between the WB’s International Development Association (IDA) and the <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4Qu8d'>Vietnamese Government in April</a> 2014.</p><br /><p>Its objective is to improve the livelihoods in low-income communities in 26 districts in the Central Highlands provinces of <a href='http://bit.ly/1lr1iRj'>Dak Lak</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1rorFY6'>Dak Nong</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1pqHAE2'>Gia Lai and Kon Tum</a>, and the central provinces of <a href='http://bit.ly/1jM93yJ'>Quang Nam and Quang Ngai</a>, in expectation of benefitting over 540,000 people.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547823'> </span> </p><br /><p>In addition, the project will also provide opportunities for ethnic minority groups in the Central Highlands to break away from poverty by encouraging them to get involved in socio-economic development measures run in their localities.</p><br /><p>The project focuses on infrastructure, sustainable economic development, communications and project management.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />WB funding to reduce poverty in Central-Central Highlands regions Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

WB funding to reduce poverty in Central-Central Highlands regions

WB funding to reduce poverty in Central-Central Highlands regions A project funded by the World Bank (WB), aiming to boost poverty reductio...

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More documents, artefacts donated to Hanoi Museum

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>More documents, artefacts donated to Hanoi Museum<br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/VSBpiu'>The Hanoi Museum</a> has received 145 documents and artefacts by 41 organisations and individuals across the country in response to a campaign to donate documents, objects and photos.</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/VSBra7'>Launched by Hanoi</a> city, the campaign aims to collect documents and artefacts related to the two resistance wars against <a href='http://ift.tt/1uQeQre'>France and the US</a> and the subsidy period.</p><br /><p>The items will be displayed at the Hanoi Museum on occasion of the 60th anniversary of the capital city’s <a href='http://ift.tt/1hnjh7Z'>Liberation Day</a> (October 10, 1954-2014).</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1mC7N1K'>According to To Van Dong</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QvZy'>Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/Q6T83J'>Sports and Tourism</a>, the campaign has called for a response from organisations and individuals nationwide and overseas Vietnamese in preserving and promoting the national cultural heritage values in general and in Hanoi particular.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />More documents, artefacts donated to Hanoi Museum Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

More documents, artefacts donated to Hanoi Museum

More documents, artefacts donated to Hanoi Museum The Hanoi Museum has received 145 documents and artefacts by 41 organisations and individ...

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2 dead, 4 missing for low pressure in northern Vietnam

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>2 dead, 4 missing for low pressure in northern Vietnam<br /><p><strong>Two people died and four others have been missing due to strong winds, heavy rains, and floods as a result of a low pressure in two recent days in the northern provinces of Vietnam.</strong> </p><br /><p>A person in <a href='http://ift.tt/VSBov8'>Bang Lang Commune</a>, <a href='http://ift.tt/1wNmDdN'>Quang Binh District of Ha Giang Province</a> died today afternoon for being swept away by flooding water while crossing a stream.</p><br /><p>Yesterday at a port in <a href='http://ift.tt/Qe0EcQ'>Thai Binh Province</a>, the fishing ship numbered TB-4207 with four aboard was sunken by big waves when its engine was having technical troubles. Rescue squad saved three of them and discovered the body of the last fisherman.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547814'> </span> </p><br /><p>Floods and heavy rains also caused two people missing in provinces <a href='http://ift.tt/VSBqDj'>Thai Nguyen and Lai Chau</a> today.</p><br /><p>The other two missing cases happened yesterday when the cargo ship <a href='http://ift.tt/1l771wy'>Phu Cuong</a> carrying 300 tons of coal sank five nautical miles off <a href='http://ift.tt/1wNmDdU'>Ha Mai Island</a> of the northern <a href='http://ift.tt/1hKEAC4'>Quang Ninh Province</a>. The accident forced six crew members leaving the ship and two have still been missing.</p><br /><p>Yesterday, three other ships were sinking in the coastal <a href='http://bit.ly/Q3Upbw'>Hai Phong</a> water due to floods and strong winds but no casualty was reported.</p><br /><br/><br />2 dead, 4 missing for low pressure in northern Vietnam Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

2 dead, 4 missing for low pressure in northern Vietnam

2 dead, 4 missing for low pressure in northern Vietnam Two people died and four others have been missing due to strong winds, heavy rains, a...

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Bac Kan’s remote areas to be powered

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Bac Kan’s remote areas to be powered<br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1wOVKpQ'><img alt="1547811-avatar" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="225" rel="lightbox" src="http://ift.tt/1wOVKpQ" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>(Photo: VNA)</p><br /><p><span id='more-1547811'> </span> </p><br /><p>A project to bring electricity to 143 remote hamlets and villages in the northern mountainous province of <a href='http://ift.tt/1iRlzZP'>Bac Kan</a> was kicked off in Khang Ninh commune, <a href='http://ift.tt/1jpQg8I'>Ba Be</a> district on August 28.</p><br /><p>It has a total investment of 308 billion VND (14.6 million USD), with 85 percent coming from the central budget and the remaining from the Electricity of Vietnam.</p><br /><p>Under the project, the province will construct a 240-km 35kV overhead power line and 96 three-phase power stations with a total capacity of 3,395kVA. More than 280 km of 0.4 kV power line will be built.</p><br /><p>Once completed in 2016, the project will provide electricity for nearly 6,000 local households.</p><br /><p>The project reflects the attention of the Party, <a href='http://ift.tt/QPmfrs'>State and Government</a> to the lives of people in Bac Kan mountainous areas, said Vice Chairman of the provincial <a href='http://ift.tt/1n4QogP'>People’s Committee Nong Van Chi</a>.</p><br /><p>He also called on all parties involved to cooperate effectively to accomplish the project on schedule. As a poor province, Bac Kan is facing numerous challenges in socio-economic development, he said, adding that the project will contribute to the province’s industrialisation and modernisation of agriculture and rural areas as well as improving locals’ living standards.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Bac Kan’s remote areas to be powered Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1wOVKpQ" width="200"/><br/></div>

Bac Kan’s remote areas to be powered

Bac Kan’s remote areas to be powered (Photo: VNA) A project to bring electricity to 143 remote hamlets and villages in the northern moun...

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WB supports poverty reduction in Central Highlands

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>WB supports poverty reduction in Central Highlands<br /><p>(VOV) – <a href='http://ift.tt/1hkRC3u'>The World Bank</a> (WB) has agreed to provide preferential credit of US$150 million to six central highlands and Quang Ngai provinces for a poverty reduction and economic development project.</p><br /><p>Speaking at a launch ceremony in <a href='http://ift.tt/1tRSdCI'>Quang Ngai City on August</a> 29, Tran Ngoc Hung, <a href='http://ift.tt/1vt78X1'>Project Management Board Director</a>, said the project aims to improve the livelihood for the poor community in 130 villages in 26 districts in <a href='http://ift.tt/1jsYpuJ'>Dak Lak</a>, <a href='http://ift.tt/1lWOen0'>Dak Nong</a>, <a href='http://ift.tt/1p4Bh9k'>Gia Lai</a>, <a href='http://ift.tt/1jkGECa'>Kon Tum</a>, <a href='http://ift.tt/1jkGHxK'>Quang Nam and Quang Ngai</a> province.</p><br /><p>It is aimed at helping local people, especially ethnic minority people, escape from poverty and encourage them engage in local socio-economic development to have a better life.</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1n4QmFA'><img alt="1547834-ca-fe" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://ift.tt/1wOVIhQ" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p>More than 540,000 local people are expected to benefit from the project scheduled for implementation during the 2014 to 2019 period.</p><br /><p>In the initial period, the project is to be carried out in the three districts of <a href='http://ift.tt/1id109S'>Son Tay</a>, <a href='http://ift.tt/1vt79di'>Son Ha and Ba To in Quang Ngai</a> at a cost of more than US$16 million, including US$15.2 million from WB loans and nearly US$880,000 from from State budget corresponding capital.</p><br /><p>It is comprised of four components: infrastructure development (US$5.956 million), sustainable livelihood development (US$3.338 million), capacity enhancement and communications (US$5.1 million) and project management (US$811,067).</p><br /><br/><br />WB supports poverty reduction in Central Highlands Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1wOVIhQ" width="200"/><br/></div>

WB supports poverty reduction in Central Highlands

WB supports poverty reduction in Central Highlands (VOV) – The World Bank (WB) has agreed to provide preferential credit of US$150 million ...

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Hanoians go crazy for Swedish-style bun cha

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Hanoians go crazy for Swedish-style bun cha<br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1547853'><a href='http://ift.tt/XYsJZE'><img alt="Hanoians queued up in front of the Swedish Embassy to be served Sweden-style bun cha on Thursday morning. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://ift.tt/1n3yn2q" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Hanoians queued up in front of the Swedish Embassy to be served Sweden-style bun cha on Thursday morning. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre</p><br /></div><br /><p><span id='more-1547852'> </span> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1547854'><a href='http://ift.tt/XYsMVe'><img alt="Swedish-style bun cha al fresco. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://ift.tt/1n3ylHN" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Swedish-style bun cha al fresco. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre</p><br /></div><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1547855'><a href='http://ift.tt/XYsMVg'><img alt="Swedish meatballs were substituted into the bun cha dish. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://ift.tt/1n3ylHP" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Swedish meatballs were substituted into the bun cha dish. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre</p><br /></div><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1547856'><a href='http://ift.tt/XYsJZK'><img alt="Tareq Taylor, a chef and TV-personality from Sweden, prepared meatballs for the bun cha dish. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://ift.tt/1n3yniN" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Tareq Taylor, a chef and TV-personality from Sweden, prepared meatballs for the bun cha dish. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre</p><br /></div><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1547857'><a href='http://ift.tt/XYsMVk'><img alt="Tareq Taylor tastes the meatballs before serving them. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://ift.tt/1n3yniU" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Tareq Taylor tastes the meatballs before serving them. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre</p><br /></div><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1547858'><a href='http://ift.tt/XYsJZR'><img alt="Tareq Taylor and a Hanoian family. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre Hundreds of Hanoians queued up in front of the Swedish Embassy, on Thursday morning, for a scandinavian adaptation of" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://ift.tt/1n3ylYg" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Tareq Taylor and a Hanoian family. Photo credit: Tuoi Tre Hundreds of Hanoians queued up in front of the Swedish Embassy, on Thursday morning, for a scandinavian adaptation of</p><br /></div><br /><p><em>bun cha</em> – a famous Hanoi dish.</p><br /><p>The embassy staff sold the dish at a mere VND25,000 (US$1.2) per serving to celebrate 45th years of diplomatic relations, Tuoi Tre reported.</p><br /><p><em>Bun cha</em> – a Vietnamese dish of grilled pork and noodles – is believed to have originated in Hanoi. The dish essentially consists of grilled fatty pork (<em>cha</em>) served over white rice noodles (<em>bun</em>) with fresh herbs and a bowl of blended fish sauce.</p><br /><p>Tareq Taylor, a chef and TV-personality from Sweden, said he tasted Vietnamese <em>bun cha</em> and found that it is somewhat similar to the Swedish meatball.</p><br /><p>He came across the idea of making Sweden-style <em>bun cha</em> and selling it to Hanoian as a way to promote Sweden’s image.</p><br /><p>The embassy’s staff served as waiters and waitresses, bringing the food to tables set up under outdoor tents.</p><br /><br/><br />Hanoians go crazy for Swedish-style bun cha Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1n3yn2q" width="200"/><br/></div>

Hanoians go crazy for Swedish-style bun cha

Hanoians go crazy for Swedish-style bun cha Hanoians queued up in front of the Swedish Embassy to be served Sweden-style bun cha on Thursda...

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Vietnam court gives jailed ex-colonel another 15 months for power abuse

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Vietnam court gives jailed ex-colonel another 15 months for power abuse<br /><p><strong>A Vietnam court imposed an extra 15-month sentence on an ex-deputy police chief, who is serving a 16-year jail term for helping his corrupt brother flee abroad in 2012, during a trial on Thursday for a different offense.</strong> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1547623'><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QgxS'><img alt=">> Jailed Vietnam ex-colonel has term cut to 16 years >> Probe ordered into ‘state secret’ case involving vice minister”></a><p class=" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="295" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1n4QgxS" width="500"/>>> Jailed Vietnam ex-colonel has term cut to 16 years >> Probe ordered into 'state secret' case involving vice minister<br/><br /><br/> </a> </div><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QgxS'> </a><a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QhSd'>>> Ex-colonel tried for helping former Vinalines boss flee abroad</a> <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVDuF'><strong><em>>> Dung mute on mole who tipped him off on arrest</em> </strong> </a> </p><br /><p><span id='more-1547622'> </span> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1t18lPI'>Duong Tu Trong</a>, 53, was re-tried on charges of “abusing positions and/or powers while performing official duties” pursuant to Article 281 of the <a href='http://bit.ly/QqtTJP'>Penal Code</a>.</p><br /><p>Trong was the deputy director of the police department in Hai Phong, a city in northern Vietnam.</p><br /><p>The Hai Phong City People’s Court convicted the ex-colonel and pronounced a 15-month sentence on him at the one-day trial.</p><br /><p>According to the indictment, when Trong was holding the deputy director post, he had a close relationship with <a href='http://bit.ly/1jBbuEO'>Dong Xuan Phong</a>, who was then an official of an anti-smuggling unit of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1tvMCl2'>Hai Phong City Customs Department</a>.</p><br /><p>In 2009, Phong was wanted nationwide by the <a href='http://bit.ly/V5ZGS1'>Ho Chi Minh City Police Department</a> in connection with smuggling.</p><br /><p>At that time, HCMC police sent a team to Hai Phong to coordinate with their colleagues in searching for Phong but they failed to find him.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1hzMi02'>On April</a> 22, 2011, the criminal hunting division of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVGqe'>Hai Phong City Police Department</a> submitted to Trong a list of criminals, including Phong, who was believed to hide in the northern city.</p><br /><p>Trong, however, did not take any action to hunt for and arrest Phong although he had clearly known that the wanted man was staying in Hai Phong.</p><br /><p>On May 17, 2012, <a href='http://bit.ly/1jvEQDm'>Duong Chi Dung</a>, Trong’s elder brother, who was then director of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVFm9'>Vietnam Maritime Administration</a>, began to flee the country after receiving a tip-off revealing that he was about to be arrested for the offenses he had committed during the time he was chairman of the state-owned <a href='http://bit.ly/1eZ8ShU'>Vietnam National Shipping Lines</a> (<a href='http://bit.ly/1ktob6Y'>Vinalines</a>).</p><br /><p>Dung then told Trong to help him hide from police, and the then deputy police chief requested several people, including Phong, to arrange for his brother to leave Vietnam for <a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QgOi'>Cambodia on May</a> 23, 2012.</p><br /><p>The former Vinalines chairman then went to Singapore, where he carried out procedures to go to the U.S. However, as he was hunted internationally, Dung was not allowed to enter the U.S.</p><br /><p>The man returned to Singapore and then came to Cambodia to hide himself. <a href='http://bit.ly/1wOVGqn'>On September</a> 4, 2012, Vietnamese police captured Dung with the help from their Cambodian counterparts and later extradited him to Vietnam.</p><br /><p>Dung was sentenced to death on December 16, 2013 on charges of “<a href='http://bit.ly/1jvESLA'>intentionally violating state regulations on economic management, causing serious consequences</a>,” and “<a href='http://bit.ly/1kto9vT'>embezzlement</a>.”</p><br /><p>He appealed for a commutation, but the Supreme People’s Court upheld his sentence at an appeal hearing on May 7, 2014.</p><br /><p>Trong was arrested on February 22, 2013 and in January this year, his six accomplices and him were convicted of “<a href='http://bit.ly/1n4QhSv'>making arrangements for other people to flee abroad illegally</a>.”</p><br /><p>He was first sentenced to 18 years behind bars but at his appeal trial in May 2014, the sentence was commuted to 16 years.</p><br /><p>With the additional 15-month sentence given to him yesterday, Trong will have to serve a total jail term of 17 years and three months.</p><br /><p><strong><em><a href='#http://ift.tt/1n2i85F'>Like us on Facebook</a> or <a href='#http://ift.tt/1n2i85H'>follow us on Twitter</a> to get the latest news about Vietnam!</em> </strong> </p><br /><br/><br />Vietnam court gives jailed ex-colonel another 15 months for power abuse Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1n4QgxS" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnam court gives jailed ex-colonel another 15 months for power abuse

Vietnam court gives jailed ex-colonel another 15 months for power abuse A Vietnam court imposed an extra 15-month sentence on an ex-deputy p...

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Local firm launches free tourism app about Vietnam

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Local firm launches free tourism app about Vietnam<br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1pqLyA2'><img alt="1547859-da-nang-gjwa" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="319" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1pqLyA2" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p>Tourists on a beach in the central city of Danang. Photo: <a href='http://bit.ly/TSC9DV'>Dieu Hien</a> </p><br /><p><span id='more-1547859'> </span> </p><br /><p>NFS Mobile Solutions launched a free smart phone application to provide tourism information about major tourist destinations in Vietnam.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1f8hoHL'>Da Nang</a>, Vietnam – The Essentials Guide is the first in a series that will deliver concise and up-to-date information about all of Vietnam’s major tourist destinations, as well as off-the-beaten path locales, according to the company.</p><br /><p>The applications are produced by independent contributors and illustrated with original photography.</p><br /><p>The application is currently available for iOS devices.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1pqLwZ0'>According to Chuck Palazzo</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1qnVRms'>CEO of NFS Mobile Solutions</a>, Da Nang, Vietnam – The Essentials Guide the first in a series of travel-related applications and is free to download.</p><br /><p>Palazzo, a US veteran and active member of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1pqLwZ1'>Agent Orange Action Group</a>, remains dedicated to seeking medical, financial, ecological and legal assistance for Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange.</p><br /><p>Nearly 1.8 million tourists visited Da Nang in the first half of this year, a 15.8 percent increase over last year. Nationwide, 33.4 million tourists visited Vietnam this year, including 3.3 million foreigners.</p><br /><br/><br />Local firm launches free tourism app about Vietnam Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1pqLyA2" width="200"/><br/></div>

Local firm launches free tourism app about Vietnam

Local firm launches free tourism app about Vietnam Tourists on a beach in the central city of Danang. Photo: Dieu Hien NFS Mobile Solut...

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