Vietnam Press: Opportunities and Challenges

 

In international economic integration, science and technology including Internet, Telecom, has increased the power of the press. Today, mass media, including telecom, newspapers and magazines, are “soft power” with unprecedented development. Information is delivered at extremely high speed. Information is regarded as a kind of commodities, becoming priceless at certain time and valueless at another time. Information technology helps timely process of information. The paper that gets information in time is sure of success. Therefore, the role of the press is increasingly important with strong impact on economic development.

 

In such conditions, though the press has both opportunities and challenges, its role will be more important. But how to develop that role in a changing world with potential risks in economy, society, politics, environment? Risks in economy are numerous, for example, financial-monetary crisis is a big crisis, untimely and incorrect information can cause serious loss. In environment, without correct information on climate change, there will be bigger losses. Those are challenges to the press.

Regarding Vietnamese press, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has recently said that the government will focus on increasing the efficiency of the press. Vietnamese press should propagate in time all policies of the government to create a driving force and mobilization of all resources. The government pays special attention to three areas: One, complete development of market economy; Two, upgrading human resources; Three, developing infrastructure. There must be a good foundation for the implementation.

 

The press has also an important role in discovering problems and constraints, reflecting correct information and issues in the implementation of policies. In final analysis, the people are those who benefit most and suffer most from the implementation of policies. Therefore, reflecting constraints in the society is most necessary and important task of the press.

 

It is equally important to reflect aspiration and suggestions of the people. For instances, the press has reflected the case of people crossing river by a single cable hanging over the flow that Minister of Transport could never know, or the people discovered the dumping of waste to Thi Vai river by Vedan company and related authorities could take action.

 

In particular, forecast, research and analysis of information are extremely important. If those tasks can be completed, the role of the press will be highly appreciated in socio-economic development.

 

The Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21) is an important event for both Vietnamese press and VCCI press, especially Vietnam Business Forum for its 15th anniversary.

 

VCCI has the role of promoting trade and investment, technology transfer and representing Vietnam business community, protecting to their interests in domestic and international markets. Obviously, the role of foreign language press as Vietnam Business Forum is of great importance. Furthermore, in the time of international integration, there are multilateral programmes as ASEM, WTO, APEC, ASEAN and several bilateral programmes. The integration with ASEAN is the most important as it comprises not only economy but also politics, security, culture, social welfare. Furthermore, ASEAN members are neighbours, closely related to each other on national defence.

 

 ASEAN Charter has been ratified, one of important provision is the decision to take English as official language of ASEAN. Therefore, Vietnam Business Forum has an important role in propagating policies of Vietnam, VCCI activities, business opportunities, investment potentials, trade promotion, cooperation projects.. Vietnam Business Forum represents the voice of Vietnamese businesses in external relations and integration process.

 

In the past 15 years of its development, Vietnam Business Forum has successfully played its role. However, most of Vietnamese businesses are small and medium sized and without forecast, research or analysis of information. Vietnam Business Forum and Vietnam press in general should help them with precise and timely information so that they can develop their business strategy.

 

On the occasion of 15th anniversary of Vietnam Business Forum, on behalf of VCCI leadership, I extend to the Editorial Board and all staff members of Vietnam Business Forum our warmest congratulations.

 

In 2010, Vietnam has many important events: 1000 years of Thang Long – Hanoi, ASEAN Chairmanship, final year of five-year plan (2006-2010), development the next five-year plan (2011-2015), XI Party Congress. 

 

It will be a heavy task for the press. With those opportunities and challenges, I wish the Editorial Board, reporters and readers of Vietnam Business Forum a meaningful and successful anniversary.

 

I believe that with joint efforts of the whole staff, Vietnam Business Forum will make bigger contribution to the system of Vietnam press and businesses in the process of integration and development.