The government will create more favourable conditions for credit organisations to set aside more loans for agriculture and rural development, and for rural people to access bank loans and repay them, according to a decree drafted by the State Bank of Vietnam.

Over the past few days, food and hygiene safety has become a hot issue as health agencies have detected violations in illegally imported frozen meat and foodstuffs and low-protein milk. There is now an urgent need for stricter laws to protect consumers’ health.

Vietnamese martial artists have pocketed seven golds, 11 silvers and 21 bronzes at the Asian Martial Arts Games in Thailand, ranking sixth among 40 countries and territories participating in the event.

Many events have been held across the country to celebrate Agent Orange (AO) Day and raise funds for AO victims and the poor.