Directive 04-CT/TW builds a strategy for publishing development, positioning publishing products associated with the cultural industry, investing and creating mechanisms for publishing to become a key economic sector. The Directive sets a target that by 2030, there will be key national publishing and media groups developing multi-platform and multi-products. Publishing groups will promote and realize the introduction of Vietnamese books and Vietnamese culture to the world.
In a conversation with Lao Dong reporters, Mr. Nguyen Nguyen - Director of the Publishing, Printing and Issuing Department (under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) - said that Directive 04-CT/TW shows a strategic vision, and clearly reflects the aspirations of publishers today.
Regarding the task of soon building corporations in the publishing industry, Mr. Nguyen Nguyen said - this is a very practical plan, and within reach of the publishing industry.
Many publishing units can become large economic groups, including Vietnam Education Publishing House, Fahasa... They are all multi-product, multi-platform units with revenue of trillions of VND" - Mr. Nguyen said.
Vietnam Education Publishing House was established in 1957 and currently operates under the model of a one-member limited liability company with a charter capital of 596 billion VND.
The financial report of Vietnam Education Publishing House in 2024 recorded net revenue of 3, 102 billion VND. The strength is textbooks, reference books, and books used in the education sector.
In 2023, Vietnam printed about over 400 million copies of books, of which Vietnam Education Publishing House alone printed over 300 million copies.
Textbooks, textbooks, and reference books in the field of education currently account for a large proportion in the publishing market. This is also a book line that brings in large revenue. Currently, there are 7 publishers participating in publishing textbooks.
Ho Chi Minh City Book Distribution Joint Stock Company (Fahasa) is also likened to a "giant" with high revenue from multi-products and multi-platform.
Fahasa is the largest bookstore chain in Vietnam, established in 1976. Fahasa owns hundreds of modern bookstores in provinces and cities.
Fahasa's products are diverse and rich, from publishing books, cultural products, stationery to educational equipment.
According to the consolidated financial statements for the fourth quarter of 2024, Ho Chi Minh City Book Distribution Joint Stock Company (Fahasa - FHS) had revenue for the whole year of more than 4,039 billion VND.
Mr. Nguyen Nguyen assessed that it is only a matter of time for a strong unit like Fahasa to become a corporation in the publishing industry.
