On March 6, 2025, the Propaganda and Training Commission (TG - DV) of Ho Chi Minh City, along with the Department of Culture and Sports and the City Journalists Association, convened to review the press and publication work for 2024 and to outline objectives for 2025. The conference was chaired by key figures including Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Member of the Central Committee of the Party and Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; Phan Nguyen Nhu Khue, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee and former Head of the City Party Committee's Propaganda Department; and Nguyen Manh Cuong, another influential member of the Standing Committee.
During the conference, Deputy Head of the TG - DV, Tang Huu Phong, presented the highlights of the year's endeavors. He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among various agencies, which ensured effective leadership and guidance for media activities within the city. Phong noted, “By synchronizing our operations, we processed information efficiently to adapt to any rapidly changing situations.”
Overall, 2024 saw improvements within press and publication initiatives, thanks to focused oversight and clear communication strategies. The TG - DV maintained alignment with its established work plan, enhancing report quality, promoting creative proposals, and focusing on supportive measures for media agencies based on their contextual challenges. Various efforts were made to build comprehensive press reports, gather feedback, and highlight notable information, ensuring alignment with the party's directives on media control.
Specifically, Phong highlighted the productive collaborations with central as well as city agencies which guaranteed rapid and continuous responses from local press entities during the year. He confirmed, “Most press agencies adhered to our management and direction, and this set the foundation for strong oversight and discipline.” This commitment to discipline was especially notable among journalists and editors, particularly concerning the management of social media.
The assignment was not merely to monitor; TG - DV colleagues actively engaged with the Department of Information and Communications to facilitate regular press conferences on the city’s socio-economic conditions. Positive feedback has been encouraged via recognition programs targeting authors who produce impactful articles about the city.
Among the significant activities carried out was the Ho Chi Minh City Book Street Festival during the 2024 Tet Giap Thin celebration, alongside exhibitions showcasing the city’s top achievements. These events coincided with the 94th anniversary of Vietnam's Communist Party founding, aimed at enhancing public engagement with literature and art. A series of initiatives to commemorate the third Vietnam Book and Culture Day was also successfully implemented.
Coordinated efforts extended their reach, ensuring the promotion of publications commemorative of significant historical events. Celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and the 134th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh were highlights for the year, engaging the public to reflect on Vietnam’s rich history.
The conference also saw the presentation of proposals to implement directives from the Central Propaganda Department, marking 20 years of progress since Directive No. 42-CT/TW was issued.
Moving forward, the focus for 2025 will remain firm on promoting key themes reflective of both national and local interests. Attendees shared insights and recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of journalistic endeavors across the city. Acknowledging the potential of journalism as it relates to socioeconomic issues, Nguyen Thanh Nghi expressed his appreciation for the momentum built and highlighted the necessity for continued growth. “Press and publication reflect the Party’s directions and the government's commitments to national development, enhancing the community's social fabric,” said Nghi.
Nghi reiterated the importance of preserving journalistic integrity and promoting exemplary behavior within the field. He flagged the need for heightened investment and development within the industry, emphasizing, “Developing journalism quality means investing resources wisely for training and affirming our values.” He urged all media entities to convey clear and timely reports aligned with governmental policies and upcoming significant events.
Special attention was drawn toward the livelihoods of journalists and editors. Addressing their working conditions is seen as pivotal for cultivating talent capable of contributing meaningfully to the city’s journalistic landscapes. “When reporters and editors are able to thrive, it translates to higher quality outputs benefiting the community and the party’s objectives,” he added.
Through these collective efforts, Ho Chi Minh City looks to fortify its role as the heart of Vietnam's press and publishing sectors, striving to uplift the industry for continuing progress and adherence to national standards.