HÀ NỘI — The National External Information Service Awards 2017 was launched on Thursday in Hà Nội, aiming to recognise and honour outstanding authors, media publications and books in the external information service.

The contest, the fourth of its kind in Việt Nam since 2014, is open to Vietnamese people and foreigners who have published or broadcast work via mass media in the country or overseas between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017.

This year, the contest is co-organised by the Party Central Committee’s Communication and Education Commission, the Steering Committee for External Information Service and the Nhân dân (People) newspaper.

The contest entries must be sent by March, 31, 2018 to the office of Party Committee and Unions of the newspaper at 71 Hàng Trống Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội, labeled “Submission for National External Information Service Awards 2017.”

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony expected to take place in May.

Speaking at the contest launching ceremony, deputy head of the Central Information and Education Commission Phạm Văn Linh said that external information services played an important role in the national construction and development, especially during the 30 years of Đổi mới (renewal process).

Media reports help promote the image of Việt Nam’s land, people, history and culture. They can also provide accurate information on current events in Việt Nam, the Party’s guidelines and the State’s policies and laws, as well as the country’s viewpoints and stances on regional and international issues.

The service also serves as a tool to refute incorrect information and false allegations about Việt Nam from hostile forces, he said. Linh said that this year included key external affairs events like APEC Year 2017 and 40th anniversary of Việt Nam joining the United Nations, which inspired works to promote the country’s image to foreigners.

The 2016 contest received 893 entries in 17 languages, up 21 per cent in number of entries over 2015, and with six additional languages. — VNS