Outlook - VietNam News

Europe suffers from vicious austerity cycle

Workers hit by lower living standards and record high unemployment have been staging protests across Europe for the past week, hoping to persuade their governments to ease austerity measures and boost growth.

Do you like train travel in Viet Nam?

The Ministry of Transport is considering upgrading the current railway system, built in the 1930s. By 2020, it would take only 15-17 hours to travel between Ha Noi and HCM City, as opposed to the current 30.

Korean parties urged to show restraint

The eyes of the world are on the developing tension on the Korean Peninsula. Tension is high after North Korea delivered a series of threats against South Korea and the United States, especially after the two countries renewed military exercises off South Korea.

TPP talks present golden opportunity for Japan

Better late than never: Japan's decision to join negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) would be a wise step for both Japan and the TPP in opening up regional competition and would be integral to the country's strategy.

Obama risks fallout from budget cut effects

Only three months after winning re-election, US President Barack Obama found himself faced with a raft of unresolved problems from his first term: persistently high unemployment, crushing government debt and a deep partisan divide. Budget limitations are now challenging Obama's ability to implement his economic vision.

UK hopes to be India's partner of choice

During the global economic recession, emerging markets have become more popular destinations for leaders from developed countries to visit in the hope of tapping their potential and boosting their own sluggish economies.

Palestine makes reconciliation progress

Palestine's national reconciliation is now closer than ever before, as recent signs of warmer ties between the Hamas and Fatah opposition movements signal that Palestinians can be completely optimistic about a united government.

Japan looks to smooth ties with S Korea

With the leadership transfer in Japan and the imminent power transition in South Korea next month, people expect that relations between the two countries will improve, helping to enhance security in Northeast Asia.

Can Japan make light of latest new dawn?

Three years after a crushing defeat, the landslide victory of the Liberal Democrat Party in the recent election has pushed Japan – the third-largest economy in the world - into a new era that will decide the future of both national development and regional security.

Gaza conflict may reflect imminent UN vote

The world can now breathe a collective sigh of relief that a ceasefire has taken effect, halting a week-long exchange of rocket fire and air strikes between the Gaza Strip and Israel that had escalated to threats by Israel to kill the top commander of militant Palestinian faction Hamas and send in ground troops.

US presidential race down to the wire

The debates are over, but the world's most watched campaign remains essentially tied with only 11 days to go until the US presidential election on November 6.

Hightlight

Tax code reforms to decipher dependents

People who are dependent on personal income tax payers will be given their own tax codes to avoid people lodging claims as dependents of more than one taxpayer.

Farmer-firm linkups remain elusive despite Gov't efforts

More than 10 years after the Government unveiled policies to encourage tie-ups between farmers and businesses, the proportion of farm produce sold through such contracts remains modest.

Buddha statues highlight heritage