Up to 2.25 million hectares of natural forests in the Central Highlands are not allowed to be open to commercial projects, said Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc.

The press plays an important role in influencing public opinion about major public issues, said delegates at a conference held yesterday on the occasion of National Journalism Day (June 21). But a report published at the conference also highlighted reporters’ difficulties in conveying information to readers.

Seven-year-old Đinh Thanh Phong felt more than excited not only because he could meet a lot of friends from ASEAN countries but also he could deliver his wish towards ASEAN vision at the 4^th ASEAN Children Forum (ACF) hosted by Việt Nam this year.

Đinh La Thăng, the secretary of the HCM City Party Committee, said the city must formulate a detailed plan this month to speed up the upgrading of old residences.

Seven fishermen from the central province of Hà Tĩnh’s Thạch Bằng Commune have rescued Major Nguyễn Hữu Cường, one of two pilots on board the missing fighter jet Su-30MK2.

A teacher shows his students how to swim in a pool in central Nghệ An Province. The move aims to reduce cases of drowning, especially in summer break. Statistics from the Ministry of Health reveals that on average nine children died from drowning every day last year in Việt Nam. Drowning is one of the main causes of child death in the country. — VNA/VNS Photo Bích Huệ

The Health Ministry plans to conduct a 45-day-long inspection at Coca-Cola Beverages Việt Nam Ltd Company for compliance with food safety laws.

Prime Minister Trịnh Đình Dũng attended a ceremony this morning to commemorate Colonel Trần Quang Khải at Military Hospital No. 4 in central Nghệ An Province’s Vinh City. 

Baking hot temperatures have raised the forest fire warning in six provinces to level 5 – the extremely dangerous level, according to the Vietnam Forest Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.