Vietnam's economy keeps growing steadily in 2001

Ha Noi, Nov. 19 (VNA) -- The national economy keeps growing fairly steadily in 2001 with marked progress in industrial and agricultural restructuring.

This assessment was made by the Government in its annual socio-economic development report which will be submitted to the 10th session of the 10th National Assembly (NA), scheduled to open tomorrow, Nov. 20.

This is the first time that a Government report to the NA has been publicised through mass media prior to the opening of an NA session to seek comments from voters nationwide.

Overseas Vietnamese allowed to buy houses in Vietnam


Ha Noi, Nov. 7 (VNA) -- Overseas Vietnamese will be permitted to buy houses in their native land as from Nov. 20, 2001, according to a Government decree issued on Nov. 5.
Under the decree, overseas Vietnamese who will implement long-term investment in Viet Nam, or those who make considerable contributions to the native country, conduct cultural and scientific activities in Viet Nam, and want to have permanent residence in Viet Nam, will be entitled to buy a house, an apartment or a villa in unbanned residential areas to live.

Scientists call for compensation to dioxin victims

Ha Noi, Nov. 7 (VNA) -- Millions of dioxin victims who have been made handicapped and are living in misery across the country should be promptly compensated.

The message was made jointly by more than 200 local scientists and medical experts attending a symposium on the effects of Agent Orange/dioxin on human health and the environment in Ha Noi during Nov. 6-8.

Licensing time for foreign investment projects cut by half


Ha Noi, Nov. 3 (VNA) -- The licensing time for foreign direct invested projects in Ho Chi Minh City will be cut by half to 20 days for those in the fields under State special control and those that require examination from specialized branches. The licensing time for small projects in the fields that the State is trying to stimulate investment in will not exceed 10 days.

Vietnam vows to work for succesful ASEAN Summit in Brunei


Ha Noi, Nov.4 (VNA) -- Prime Minister Phan Van Khai spoke highly of Brunei's comprehensive preparations for the seventh ASEAN summit as well as the ASEAN+3 and ASEAN+1 meetings this year and said Viet Nam will work actively to contribute to the success of the summit and the meetings between ASEAN and its dialogue partners.

PM Khai made the remarks at his meeting with Brunei Darussalam's Head of State Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah shortly after his arrival in Bandar Seri Begawan this afternoon, Nov.4, for the ASEAN summit meeting.

PM Phan Van Khai urges econ. restructuring in agriculture


Ha Noi, Oct. 31 (VNA) -- Prime Minister Phan Van Khai on Wednesday, Oct. 31, urged the agricultural sector to consider agricultural and rural economic restructuring as a key task for effective use of natural resources and the people's dynamism and creativity.

President Tran Duc Luong visits flood stricken province

Oct.30 (VNA) -- President Tran Duc Luong has said that the Party and State of Viet Nam are always concerned about the efficiency and effectiveness of the national flood control programme in the Mekong River Delta, stressing that "The programme is part of the Government's active effort to harness and control seasonal flooding in the region."

Gov't officials and business circles discuss E-Gov't


Ha Noi, Oct. 27 (VNA) -- How to operate an e-Government in Viet Nam was the main topic of discussion by Government officials and business people in Ha Noi on Oct. 26.

Participants at a talk, organised jointly by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Government Office, held that the e-Government model is a key point in the process of socialising information technology (IT), promoting democracy, and strengthening the administrative apparatus at the grassroots level.

WB approves USD 110 million loan for poverty reduction project


Ha Noi, Oct. 27 (VNA) -- The World Bank has approved a USD 110 million loan for a participatory poverty reduction project in Viet Nam's northern mountainous areas.

The project is expected to benefit about one million people, 85 percent of whom are ethnic minorities, through investments in rural roads and markets, irrigation and water supply systems, basic education and health, and community development.

Transport development in Central Highlands province Dac Lac


Ha Noi, Oct. 27 (VNA) -- The Central Highlands province of Dac Lac has gradually developed its transport network to fulfill people's travel requirements, thus improving their living conditions.

As many as 650 km of highways and provincial routes have been upgraded. The opening of Highway 14 has significantly reduced the driving time from Dac Lac to Ho Chi Minh City and opened up shorter routes to new economic zones in Dac Rlap, Gia Nghia, and Da Min townships.

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