Vietnamese press revolutionizes the cultural industry: Forum in Hai Phong!

Vietnamese press revolutionizes the cultural industry: Forum in Hai Phong!

On May 31, 2025, a major forum dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Vietnam's revolutionary press was held in Haiphong. Organized by various institutions, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnamese Television and the Haiphong Municipal People's Committee, the event served to discuss the role of the press in promoting cultural industries in 2025. The forum is entitled "The role of the press in promoting the development of cultural industries in 2025" and aims to promote understanding of the role of cultural industries in Vietnam's socio-economic development process.

In his opening remarks, Le Hai Binh, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, referred to relevant policy documents, including Resolution No. 33-NQ/TW and Conclusion No. 76-KL/TW on the development of Vietnamese culture. He highlighted the key role of the press in the cultural industry, especially in a time characterized by digital challenges. The press is an essential means of communication and part of the value chain in the cultural industry.

Focus on innovation and digital transformation

Le Hai Binh also emphasized the need to develop new cultural products based on traditional values. The press should help shape the public's enjoyment experience and improve its quality. A central concern was the request that every editorial office should be a “house of culture” and a “house of digital transformation”. This sheds light on the challenges facing the press, particularly around digital transformation and audience adaptation.

Le Quoc Minh, editor-in-chief of the Nhan Dan newspaper, reiterated the importance of giving more space to cultural issues in reporting. He suggested that the proportion of cultural coverage should be increased from the current 20% to 25-30%. Tran Thi Hoang Mai, director of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hai Phong, pointed to projects to promote cultural life and tourism in the region. Collaboration between the press and the cultural industry was highlighted as crucial to increasing public awareness of national cultural heritage.

Digital transformation as the key to development

In addition to the discussions in the forum, Vietnam highlights digital transformation as an important impetus for economic development in the context of globalization. The country is planning comprehensive reforms to create new economic incentives. Vietnam's social security system has already digitized 100% of its public online services. Available on various platforms, including the VssID app, these services have reduced the duration of administrative procedures by an impressive 86%.

Another sign of the success of digital applications in Vietnam is the rise of e-commerce, whose revenue increased from $14 billion in 2021 to $20.5 billion in 2023. In addition, exports of digital products have increased, from over $113 billion in 2021 to more than $117 billion in 2023. World-leading technology companies are showing increasing interest in investing in Vietnam, particularly in electronics, semiconductor chips and artificial intelligence.

Vietnam is pursuing a national strategy to promote research and application of artificial intelligence, aiming to become a center for innovation in Southeast Asia by 2030. Digital transformation is therefore not only a technological concern, but also an overarching strategic plan to place Vietnam among the top 50 nations in electronic government and digital economy.

At the closing of the forum, Le Hai Binh expressed hope for future innovations and greater cooperation between press agencies to advance Vietnam's cultural development. The commitment to strengthening the role of the press in the cultural industry could therefore make a significant contribution to the country's further development.

For more information read the reports from vietnam.vn and vovworld.vn.