Solutions for developing Hanoi's external information activities by 2020.

This activity is part of the city-level research project 01X-10/03-2014-2, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities). The main objectives of the project are to systematize and analyze domestic and foreign documents; survey and evaluate the current state of Hanoi's external information activities from the Doi Moi (Renovation) period to the present; and propose solutions for developing the capital's external information activities by 2020.

The scene of the seated meditation/Photo: Thanh Ha

The seminar was the first meeting between the research group and experts, researchers, and policymakers to discuss relevant issues from the theory and practice of external information activities in general, and in Hanoi in particular.

Hanoi currently has 14 media outlets with 25 publications, 7 magazines, and 9 media outlets that have developed websites. The Hanoi Radio and Television Station broadcasts on two channels, H1 and H2, and also broadcasts 65 television channels on cable television and 23 digital television channels via satellite. Online television programming, implemented since 2002, and online radio broadcasting since 2005 have helped to better serve the needs of overseas Vietnamese listeners. Two news bulletins contribute to foreign affairs information: the Hanoi Foreign Affairs News Bulletin and the Cooperation and Friendship News Bulletin, both published in English and Vietnamese. In addition, the city also has hundreds of central press agencies, representative offices of domestic and foreign press agencies, central diplomatic agencies, and thousands of foreign organizations… Given this unique characteristic, Hanoi's external information work is considered extremely important, requiring information to be quick, accurate, and timely; the format must also be diverse and modern; the content must be in-depth and highly effective; and the team of journalists working in this field must increasingly possess specialized skills…

Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh presents the introductory report "External Information as a Means of Implementing Foreign Policy"/Photo: Thanh Ha

At the seminar, the keynote report by Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh focused on clarifying the basic concepts of external information, the nature of external information, the relationship between foreign policy and external information, and the difference between external information and external propaganda…

Associate Professor Pham Minh Son (Academy of Journalism and Communication) presents the report "Concepts, Importance and Perspectives of the Party and State on External Information Work"/Photo: Thanh Ha

Associate Professor Pham Minh Son (Academy of Journalism and Communication) presented a paper on the importance of external information in promoting Vietnam's image; making the world understand the Party and State's guidelines and policies; promoting achievements in the country's renovation process; combating distorted narratives; and fostering sympathy, support, cooperation, and assistance from international friends.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (Deputy Head of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication) presented the report "Experiences and lessons learned from external information activities in some countries in the region and around the world"/Photo: Thanh Ha

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (Faculty of Journalism and Communication) presented a paper on the experience of external information activities in several countries that could be applied to Vietnam. The paper shared and evaluated the effectiveness of external information activity models around the world through specific activities: establishing international media centers, building foreign-language websites, conducting external communication campaigns in foreign media, organizing international press conferences, and organizing international-scale events to attract media attention…

Mr. Phan Dang Long (Deputy Head of the Propaganda Department of the Hanoi City Party Committee) speaks at the seminar/Photo: Thanh Ha

In addition, other presentations reflected the achievements in the capital's external information activities, such as: "Assessment of the current state of external information activities of the Hanoi Department of Information and Communications", "Assessment of the current state of external information activities of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism", "The current state of external information activities of Hanoi City", "Assessment of the current state of external information activities of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations", "Cultural diplomacy - a correct direction for Hanoi culture in the period 1986-2010"...