HCM CITY — HCM City Party Committee Secretary Nguyễn Thiện Nhân yesterday asked city authorities to offer more financial assistance and new policies for the press for continued communication, especially to promote National Assembly Resolution No. 54 to “pilot a special mechanism and policy for the development of HCM City”.

At a forum on journalism and publishing to mark the 93rd Việt Nam Revolutionary Press Day, Nhân said the press — including print newspapers, television channels, radio stations, and online news sites, should suggest solutions, not just offer criticism, for the city’s development.

Journalists should observe, analyse, and seek solutions to the city’s shortcomings from people, experts and scientists, he said. 

The press should also continue strengthen the fight against bureaucracy, corruption, waste, and social evils, he added.

They should commend outstanding individuals who do good things to inspire the public, he added.

The city plans to set up a press centre and meet journalists periodically to exchange information about the city’s issues, Nhân said.

Thân Thị Thư of the city’s Party Committee said the press should encourage innovation and creativity among all the city’s residents.  

The city’s agencies should also improve awareness about the role of the press and provide information for sufficient and timely communication for residents to have a better understanding and support for Party resolutions and National Assembly Resolution No 54. 

The head of the city Department of Information and Communication, Dương Anh Đức, said the press has an important role in the implementation of Party resolutions and National Assembly resolution No 54.

The forum was held to discuss solutions on how best to achieve communication about achievements and policies of the country and the city.

Many publishers who attended the forum said that policies for the publishing sector should be issued to help them improve their services.  

Science conference

On the same day, the city Department of Science and Technology organised a scientific conference ”Journalism for Science and Technology Development and Community Service”.

The department’s representative said that communication about science and technology had contributed to the city’s development.

Many science and technology programmes, including a ecosystem for startup, international co-operation and markets, have been communicated well within the community.

Information is also needed about assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises to improve competitiveness.

Journalist Bùi Việt Hà of Khám Phá (Discovery) magazine said the Department of Science and Technology plans to carry out a tour for the press throughout the city about science and technology used in enterprises and organisations as well as startups.

Nguyễn Khắc Thanh, the department’s deputy head, said the department will set up a network between managers, researchers, enterprises and journalists to strengthen communication about science and technology. —VNS