Kinh te & Do thi, Chinese media delegation in talks to boost cooperation

THE HANOI TIMES — In a timely exchange reflecting shared media reform goals, representatives from the All-China Journalists Association (ACJA) met with Kinh te & Do thi (Economic & Urban) Newspaper in Hanoi on May 22 to discuss digital transformation, artificial intelligence in journalism, and the evolving role of the press in both countries.

The visit was part of ACJA’s broader initiative to strengthen ties with regional press institutions as China continues to implement its long-term reform strategy in media governance and technology adoption. The timing of the exchange also coincided with Vietnam’s commemoration of 100 years of revolutionary journalism, providing a symbolic backdrop for dialogue between the two countries’ press sectors.

Welcoming the delegation, Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Thanh Loi introduced Kinh te & Do thi as the official publication of the Hanoi People’s Committee. With over 26 years of development, the newspaper has embraced a digital-first model, integrating newsroom convergence, electronic office systems, and cross-platform content publishing.

“Our strength lies in the ability to take initiative,” said Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Thanh Loi. “We conduct our own research, experiment with new ideas, and develop tailored solutions from within. We work with businesses not simply to sustain operations, but to build lasting value together.”

He further noted that the newspaper has prioritized technological autonomy as a core strategic focus. “We have established a dedicated in-house IT division to support our editorial objectives. This allows us to operate with greater independence and long-term strategic clarity,” he added.

The ACJA delegation was led by Executive Vice President Liu Enyang, accompanied by Liu Siyang, also Executive Vice President, along with Chen Tao, Head of External Relations, Wei Ji from the New Media Commission, Wang Humei from People’s Daily, and He Zukun, Editor-in-Chief of Yunnan Daily and President of the Yunnan Journalists' Association.

Liu Enyang commended Vietnam’s press institutions for their resilience and forward-thinking approach to adapting to new media realities. He remarked, “Vietnam and China are not only close neighbors but also partners in the shared mission of modernizing the press. Our visit is both a gesture of friendship and a learning opportunity.” Referring to the challenges facing legacy media, Liu stressed the importance of “turning pressure into momentum” and called for deeper collaboration in AI adoption, newsroom innovation, and ethical standards in journalism.

Discussions during the meeting focused on how both countries are navigating the decline in traditional revenue streams and the rise of digital platforms. Editor-in-Chief Loi noted that Vietnamese newspapers have witnessed a 60% reduction in advertising revenue. “Yet through diversified business models and digital transition, we have maintained stability,” he said, adding that technology and human editorial capacity must go hand in hand. “AI helps us manage content workflows, personalize distribution, and analyze user engagement, but the final gatekeeper must be the human editor who understands context and responsibility.”

The Chinese side shared valuable lessons from their national media reform process. Over the past decade, China has consolidated state-run outlets, streamlined management structures, and redirected resources toward digital media and multimedia production. These goals were reaffirmed at the 2024 National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party as part of a broader agenda to modernize public communication systems.

He Zukun of Yunnan Daily provided insight into how local newspapers in China are adapting to younger, digital-savvy audiences. “Short video and social media are now essential storytelling formats. We are training our journalists to be content creators across platforms,” he said. He expressed hope that both countries could establish more exchange programs to enhance newsroom capability and build shared knowledge.

The exchange concluded in a positive, collegial atmosphere. Both parties reaffirmed the importance of journalism in fostering public trust, policy transparency, and cultural understanding. Editor-in-Chief Loi emphasized that despite technological disruptions, journalism remains a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. “We look forward to deepening collaboration with ACJA and building stronger press institutions that serve the public in both nations,” he stated.

The event reflected a shared recognition that journalism must evolve in tandem with society, drawing strength from both technological progress and cross-cultural dialogue.