This information was shared by Mr. Luu Dinh Phuc - Director of the Press Department (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), at the Workshop to contribute opinions on the draft Decree detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Press Law, held in Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of April 3.
The revised Press Law was passed by the National Assembly in December 2025 and takes effect from July 1, 2026.
According to Mr. Luu Dinh Phuc, to concretize the provisions of the law, functional agencies are developing decrees, circulars and press development strategies. In which, the decree detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Press Law is expected to be completed and promulgated in April 2026, taking effect simultaneously with the Press Law.
Mr. Luu Dinh Phuc said that the new draft decree updates the Party's guiding viewpoints and the current practice of press development. It is expected that 20 administrative procedures in the press sector will be reduced, and new points will be added such as regulations on the digital platform of press agencies.
Another noteworthy content is the regulation on the establishment of press agencies of socio-professional associations.
Previously, the consideration of establishing a press agency of the association led to the situation of "one Association is one magazine", many Associations were established not to operate the Association but mainly to publish magazines.
According to Mr. Luu Dinh Phuc, this draft decree requires Associations to operate for at least 3 years, prove effectiveness and propaganda needs, before magazine licensing can be considered, instead of rampant licensing as before.
Regarding the strategy for development and management of the press, Mr. Luu Dinh Phuc emphasized that previously the conditions for establishing a press agency must be consistent with the development and management planning of the press.
According to current planning, Associations in localities and Departments are not allowed to establish press agencies. The Press Law 2025 also only allows socio-professional associations, research institutes and universities to publish journals or scientific journals. This viewpoint has been expressed in the press planning and will be concretized in the press development strategy.
The strategic draft is available, and in the near future it will be supplemented, clearly defining which press agencies are key press agencies. Currently, there are 6 key press agencies nationwide. Key areas such as Hanoi Capital or major economic centers such as Ho Chi Minh City, if conditions are met, will be proposed as key press agencies. This plan must be approved by the Politburo" - Mr. Phuc informed.
