Ms.Truong Xuan Loc, Director of Trade Promotion centre (Department of Trade and Industry) said that: Ba Ria- Vung Tau province has 4 enterprises join the 2010 International Trade Fair which be held in Can Tho. They are: Van Sen company Ltd.,, Tri Hai company, Baseafood and Thanh Liem handicrafts shop.

After one year of operation, Tan Cang - Cai Mep port has received 160 mother vessels of the world"s leading shipping lines and 213 transit vessels; the port receives weekly 3 mother vessels of large shipping lines such as Mitsui OSK Line, NYK, K"line of Japan, Hanjin, Hyundai of Korea, APL-NOL of the U.S, Germany"s Hapag Lloyd, OOCL, Cosfi, Yang Ming of China. Output of goods through the port reached 270,000 TEUs (equivalent to over 2,000,000 tons).

According to People’s Committee of Vung Tau city, the city has 85 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects and 72 domestic projects which have been created licences with total registed capital of USD 7.86 billion and VND 24,500 billion.

According to report of Department of Transportation, at the moment, province has 20 ports which are exploiting with capacity of 34 million tons/ year, includes: Thi Vai -Cai Mep area has 11 port with capacity of 31.5 million tons; Vung Tau- Long Son area has 1 combined port and 7 specialized ports with capacity of 2.5 million tons/year. Besides, Con Dao district is exploiting Ben Dam port with capacity of about 100,000 tons/year.

Vietnam is among the Top 20 Internet-using countries in the world, according to the Royal Pingdom website monitoring service.            

With 24.3 million Internet users (out of the population of 89.6 million), Vietnam stood at No. 20 on the list, right after Canada , which has 25.1 million users (out of the population of 33.5 million), Pingdom said in a report published recently on its website

The Da Nang Poly-technique University was abuzz with admiration for three “barefoot science” students who designed and built a tricycle using solar energy.

Ta Ngoc Thien Binh, Huynh Kim Trang and Pham Nguyen Son of the Mechanic Department of the university, invested their own money to research and develop the new product because they felt sorry for tricycle drivers, who had to work in the scorching sun in central Vietnam.

Since Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), the flow of investment capital has strongly runs into Ba Ria - Vung Tau, created an economic restructuring of the province towards reducing the proportion of exploitation industry, increasing the proportion of processing industries and services.

Vietnam is among the top 20 Internet using countries in the world, according to the US-based Pingdom website monitoring service.

With 24.3 million Internet users, Vietnam stood at No.20 in the list, right after Canada, which has 25.1 million users, Pingdom said in a report published Tuesday.

There are a total of 1.8 billion Internet users in the world and the top 20 countries account for nearly 82 percent of the figure, it said. China takes the top spot with almost twice as many Internet users as the US, the second position holder.

As per the master plan of social - economic development until 2020, Con Dao will be developed under the regime of special territory, become the sustainable, high-quality service and tourism economic zone , and in the long run as an ecotourism, historical and cultural tourism urban area; Con Dao will be formed to commensurate with the position of the outpost, contributing positively in the process of opening, international economic integration, national order, security and defense, closely link with the development of the Southeast of Vietnam. The planning sets out the targets to 2015 that is to attract 64,000 visitors /year and increase to 150,000 visitors/year by 2020. Preserve and promote biodiversity, exploitation and use of natural resources rationally and increase the value of national forests. Orient development of industries and sectors mainly in tourism and other services...

Thousands of local people and tourists are gathering at the 2010 World Food Festival which officially opened in Vung Tau City in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province on July 21. 500 different dishes are displayed on a 3-km session of Thuy Van Street under the banners “Taste the World”. Artists from 31 countries and 31 Vietnamese cities and provinces will perform more than 350 pieces of traditional music, dance and theatre.

Bridge

Forty tons or 24,000 red-eared sliders are being bred in Mai Dam hamlet in the southern province of Vinh Long by the company. Around 5200 turtles have died because of hunger and hot weather.

In order to create a friendly and hospitable atmosphere, in the morning of July 18, more than 40 youth volunteers of the World Food Festival 2010 had a bicycle parade on the main roads of Vung Tau city to promote the festival. In the traditional costumes of countries participating in the festival such as China, Spain, India, Malaysia ... and imprinted festival-logo costumes, the youth had in turn gone through streets: Thuy Van, Hoang Hoa Tham, Tran Hung Dao ... , delivered leaflets and propaganda of the festival content to citizens and visitors.

Bridge – The HCM City Computers Association last week presented annual Gold Medals and the Top 5 Information and Communication Technology Cup to 41 companies.
There were 33 gold medals in eight categories based on turnover and 38 companies received the trophies in the leading ICT businesses, Vietnamese computer, hardware, integrated system service, internet, digital content, retail, software, software exporter and training based on turnover, brand names, and prestige.

According to the Organization Board of the 24^th International Golden Table Tennis Paddle Competition 2010, this year, the event attracts 106 players who come from 7 countries and territories, includes: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong (China) and Vietnam. The Competition to be held from July 13-18 at provincial Sport Centre.

According to Mr.Vo Thanh Ky, Deputy People Chairman, Baria-Vungtau is one of the 21 provinces, vities of Vietnam to be chosen to join the exhibition to celebrate 1,000-year anniversary of Thang Long- Hanoi.

The Prime Minister has recently approved the plan on Vietnam’s island economic development up to 2020. It is estimated that total investment needs for the island system from now to 2020 is approximately VND162.5 billion. Of which, the 2011 – 2015 period needs about VND 51.8 trillion.

According to Petroleum Technical Services Corporation (PTSC), at present, PTSC Mechanical & Construction Company (PTSC M & C) and PTSC Offshore Services (POS) are promptly implementing the connection and trial run for the Su Tu Den platform (Black Lion). The oil rig expects to give the first oil in late May 2010.

Hundreds of colorful kites in strange shapes filled the skies above Vung Tau in the second international kite festival held by the Department of the Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ba Ria – Vung Tau

At 8am, the kite artisans were present at Bien Dong resort to perform with their odd kites, attracting hundreds of tourists.

According to the leaders of Nam Con Son Gas Pipeline Company, the Government approved the adjustment on the development plan of Vietnam oil and gas industry in the period to 2015, and direction to 2025, including putting the 2^nd Nam Con Son gas pipeline to into operation by 2014.

World gastronomy festival 2010 will be held in the southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau from July 21-25.

Vietnam has attracted foreign investment worth US$1.8 billion in the first two months this year, including $200 million to expand existing projects, the Foreign Investment Agency said.

Another southern economic hub, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, tops the FDI list this month after licensing two projects worth $922 million.

The provincial leaders had a meeting with Organization Board of the second International Kite Festival 2010 about the time and organization of the Festival.

On 18 February (5 Lunar January of the Tiger New Year), at Kim Long commune, Chau Duc district, the Binh Gia Cannon Festival took place with the with the theme Resonance of Proud Song. This is one of the main events in the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Culture - Tourism program 2010. The program is to orient the Great Festival Day of 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Ha Noi; 45th anniversary of Binh Gia Victory (1965-2010); at the same time introduce and promote the image of Chau Duc district, a land which is rich in economic potential , tourism and revolutionary tradition.

The awards ceremony for the 6th Technical Creativeness Competition of Baria-Vungtau province took place on December 30th, 2009 at the Provincial Committee of the Party meeting hall. Participated in the ceremony are leaders of Baria-Vungtau Union of Science and Technology Associations, the Department of Science and Technology, the provincial Federation of Labor,… and authors participating in the 6th Festival of Technical Creative.  

Vietnam’s second international kite festival, will be held from March 24-28 in the southern beach city of Vung Tau.

Total new registered capital of FDI projects is about 21.48 billion USD, in which 16.34 billion USD is newly licensed project (76% contribution, 839 projects). Top 3 provinces attracts FDI in Vietnam is Baria-Vung Tau (6.73 bil. $US, in which 2.857 bil.$US of 12 new licensed projects), Quang Nam (4.174, 4.150, 1), Binh Duong (2.502, 2.152, 95). Hochiminh City and Hanoi are ranked number #7 and #8 accordingly. However, the number of license granted by those major economic hubs of Vietnam is almost 537 licenses (64% of total new licenses granted in Vietnam).

According to the Culture, Sport and Tourism Department, the program of opening the Culture – Tourism Festival of Baria-Vungtau in 2010 is expected to take place from 1st to 10th of Lunar New Year’s Festival (Canh Dan Tet).

Vietnam and many other countries will participate in the Earth Hour 2010, from 8.30.30pm of March 17th 2010 by switching off unnecessary lamps to prevent climate change.

The anniversary in 2010 will be held in Phu Tho province as usual, but will be extended for ten days from April 14-23.

According to Trade and Industry Department, value of industry in province in November increased 3.39% compared the last month and up 1.69% compared the same period last year.

Switzerland-based Aerogie Plus is working on a diesel-wind power plant on the island of Con Dao, in the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, with a total investment of Eur. 20 million. The investor has signed a power purchase contract with local authorities. According to design, this plant will operate with 2 systems: wind turbines and diesel turbines. The construction began in early 2009 and the plant will become operational in 2010.

Hundreds of thousands of carbon credits or Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) related a project to collect and use associated gases from the Rang Dong oil field in the southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau will be auctioned for the first time in Hanoi this December.

A 100-hectare primeval ironwood forest has been discovered in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in the northern-central province of Quang Binh. The park’s forest management station made the announcement November 27.

The southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau held it first ever culinary festival from November 20-22 with assistance from the provincial Tourism Association and the Vung Tau City People’s Committee and the provincial Department for Culture, Sports and Tourism.

CIO Awards 2009 recognized and honored 10 outstanding CIOs in both State and Enterprises sectors. CIO Awards 2009 focuses on recognizing business innovation and leadership capacity. It is not a basic technology-oriented award…

The Vietnam Association for Natural and Environmental Protection coordinated with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to organise an awards ceremony for the Golden Cup for environmental protection in Vietnam in the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Culture Palace on October 25.

The Management Board of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has sent a proposal to UNESCO for recognition of the park' + char(39)+ N's bio-diversification and to remain included on the World Heritage list. 

According to the Department of Foreign Investment (Ministry of Planning and Investment), both total increased and newly registered capital from the beginning of the year, FDI attraction reached USD12.54 billion; averagely reached nearly USD 1.4 billion per month, by 21.4% as compared with the same period of 2008.

Although the weather was not favorable, last night September 06, thousands of Vung Tau people still went out in the rain to participate in the exchange program “Team to light the DK1 Housing Platform" as a word of gratitude to soldiers under the most dangerous position.

The Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) and Russia’s OAO Zarubezhneft Company on Aug. 28 signed a number of cooperation agreements.

Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) on August 29 officially launched its broadcasting services to the East Sea with the presence of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

This is a number that Vietsovpetro stated at the Closing Ceremony of initiatives – patents in period of 2006 to 2008. According to the general, in recent years more and more initiatives - patents of the Enterprise have been applied and very timely to practical production, contributing greatly to the completion of production planning of the unit.

The old Bach Dinh villa, the largest statue of Jesus Christ in Vietnam, the Fairy Stream are among 126 records of the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau chronicled in the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Record Book.

In the rainy season, there are many thunderstorms with lightning. This is a danger to anticipating disaster, causing damage to people and property. At present, there are many techniques to prevent harmful effects of thunderstruck to minimize damage however that is not enough when people have no knowledge of thunderstorm prevention.

According to statistics, there are annually the most lightning accidents in Xuyen Moc and Dat Do compared with other districts in the province. Every year, there are about 50 lightning strokes which caused losses and damages to people and properties in these two districts. According to yearly estimation, there are about 2,500 to 3,000 strokes of lightning in Xuyen Moc and 1,200 to 1,500 in Dat Do. Through surveys, the lightning protections of the people in these two districts have not been good yet. The greatest part of people has not got knowledge of lightning. At the present, 85% of houses have not got lightning protection systems.

Twenty years after he stumbled on the discovery, a local farmer leads a British caving team to the find of the century.

Morning of June 26, in the PTSC Downstream Port, Vungtau city, PetroVietnam (PVN) started the fabrication of the first 60m jack-up rig in Vietnam and two new-built service vessels. This is a key and important project for the oil and gas industry’s development in Vietnam.

Vietnam is leading other Asian countries in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) with pledged capital tripling from 20.3 billion USD to 64 billion USD in 2008, said a UNCTAD report on world investment.

Vietsovpetro, an oil and gas joint venture between Vietnam and Russia has just pumped its 180th millionth tonne of crude oil from the Rong (Dragon) and Bach Ho (White Tiger) fields at 1pm on June 9.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will consider to recognize two sites in Vietnam, Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands) and Mui Ca Mau (Ca Mau Cape), as world biosphere reserves at a session in South Korea from May 25-29.

The final matches of Robocon Vietnam 2009 took place on the evening of May 17 in the central city of Hue. SPK-KNIGHT from the HCM City Teacher Training University won first prize and will attend the Asia-Pacific Robocon competition in Tokyo, Japan in August.

On May 05, Mr. Tran Ngoc Thoi - Vice Chairman of the provincial People"s Committee chaired the meeting on preparation of bridge and road from Go Gang to Long Son (Vungtau City) and construction works for this project reported by the Department of the Transport.

British explorers have discovered a new cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang, which is thought to be the largest in the world.

The sandy ground area with fully sunlight and windy of Baria-Vungtau Province has been granted a precious gift by the nature, which is the “Longan xuong com vang” (a kind of longan with yellow pulp: medium yield, big fruit, small seed, dry, fairly thick and sweet flesh). Many tourists have difficulty to forget the ardent sweet flavour and fascinating aroma of this kind of fruit if they have tasted once. Recently, with the effort of farmers and the provincial agriculture, “Longan xuong com vang” has been being affirmed its trade name.

It was 4 days and 2 nights of high-flying fun at the International Kite Festival in Vung Tau last week at Ho Tram Beach Resort & Spa, Xuyen Moc district and Thuy Van beach, Ocean Park, Vung Tau city. Local artist Nguyen Thanh Van’s Flying Vietnam was honored as the event’s longest kite.

The soaring 666-meter creation was handmade by Van and his Ho Chi Minh City kite club. But Van says it’s not even finished yet.

In the years of 2008-2009, the Sixth Technical and Scientific Festival of Creative Competition in Baria-Vungtau Province has been organized to step up creative labor movement, exploit and detect the creative potential of the masses, effectively apply technical resolutions into production and life, have a part in the provincial socio-economic development. Baria-Vungtau Newspaper reporter has had an interview with Mr. Truong Thanh Cong – Director of Science and Technology Department, Vice Organization Manager of the Competition about related contents.

VietNamNet Bridge - Viet Nam could be hit by a major earthquake even though the country does not lie within an earthquake zone, according to scientists.

Yesterday March 8, Dinh Co Festival (Long Hai town, Long Dien district) was finished after 3 days (February 10 to 12 on Lunar Calender). Over 60,000 tourists attended and joined many traditional games at the Festival.

An international kite festival, entitled “The Dance of the East Sea,” will be held in the northern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau from March 26 to 29.

Millions of Vietnamese people are counting down to February 22 when the Dung Quat Oil Refinery – the first of its kind in Vietnam – is scheduled to operate and generate the first commercial oil products.

On February 06, Mr. Tran Minh Sanh - Chairman of the Provincial People"s Committee – presided over the conference to solve concerns and suggestions for the draft action program of Vungtau City Phase 2-2009 to June 2011.

On February 3, Provincial People’s Committee has granted investment licenses to 14 projects, including seven financed with overseas investment, capitalized at over 5.1 billion USD, providing the locality with an auspicious start to the Year of the Golden Buffalo.

On the day of 15 December 2008, the Fruit-tree Research Center in the Southeast Region co-ordinated with the National Agriculture and Aquaculture Promotion Center to organize a Festival of Competition “Good seed-jackfruit in the Southeast Provinces 2008”.

Yesterday, December 7, the Vietnam Quality Award and the International Asia Pacific Quality Award were held in Ha Noi.

During recent years, many households have had high income by hatching of tiger prawns (penaeus monodon), but a lot of people had to go bankrupt because of shrimp ponds “overloaded” with chemicals, antibiotic and full of germs. Therefore, some of them formerly had bred tiger prawns, now they have switched to rotational breeding other aquatic products, in which, lates calcarifer is one of species which has been chosen because they shall bring high economic value.

In compensation, as the host country, up to 150-200 leading Vietnamese chess players will have an opportunity to participate in this event, compared to around 20 if the tournament was organised somewhere else.

The World Youth Chess Championship began in 1987, organized yearly. In the past 5 years, the prize was developed sharply. In 2007, we set the record for chess against 1,400 competitors.

A new study found that memory capacity is much more flexible depending on whether the images grab the subject' + char(39)+ N's attention though previous ones  into short-term memory suggested an upper limit to the number of visual images, according to media reports Friday.

VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Industry and Trade will launch a portal on foreign markets in late August, said Deputy Minister Nguyen Thanh Bien.

Top 10 Investors in the first seven months are: Krea (214 projects, investment capital 1,434 million USD), Singapore (44, 1,316), British VirginIslands (29, 859), India (2, 527), Taiwan (109, 488), Japan (83, 427), Thailand (10, 247), China (56, 209), United States (31, 157), Canada (5, 144)

Top 5 provinces of Vietnam attracting highest FDI captial: Baria Vung Tau (17 project, total investment capital 1,066 million USD), Hanoi (122, 858), Hau Giang (2, 629), Binh Duong ̣(118, 610), HCMC (157, 581)

Ba Ria - Vung Tau is in the important economic zone the in South of Vietnam, including 07 province of Southeast area, namely HCMC, Dong Nai, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Long An and Tay Ninh. Ba Ria - Vung Tau is a symbol of developing and successfully constructing industrial economic zones in Vietnam.

BINH CHAU HOT WATER SPRING

Driving 29km on the highway away from Xuyen Moc District, you can reach Binh Chau hot water spring. It is  the heart of a large area of 7,000ha of primeval forest and national preserved forest. It has hot water resources with more than 70 water streams. The temperature of surface water layer is about 64 degrees celsius and the bottom layer is 84 degrees celsius. Cajuput forests at this hot water resort remain green and fresh.

* Average annual GDP growth rate:

-          Oil-related growth rate: 11 – 13%

-          Non-oil growth rate: 17.77-20.65%.

* Average GDP growth rate:

-          Oil-related growth rate: 14,7%

-          Non-oil growth rate: 21,05%

* Per capita GDP:

-          Oil-related GDP per capita: $7,050.

-          Non-oil GDP per capita: $2,574.