When Vietnam’s economic reforms were still in their early stages, in 1991, and the concept of a market economy remained unfamiliar to much of the public and the business community, Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam, now known as Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam (with publications including Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam, Vietnam Economic Times, and VnEconomy), was established with a mission to disseminate economic knowledge, promote new ways of thinking, and accompany the country’s development journey.
From its earliest editions, the publication quickly developed a distinctive identity. Unlike the one-way reporting style common at the time, its articles did more than deliver information. They introduced readers to the principles of a market economy, explained economic developments unfolding in practice, and shared lessons from international development experiences.
Distinctive voice
As Vietnam transitioned from a centrally-planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy, such knowledge was particularly valuable. Many readers turned to Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy not only to learn what was happening but also to understand the forces driving economic change.
That approach became the foundation of the publication’s reputation and influence. Its credibility was not built through marketing campaigns but through public demand. Society needed a high-quality economic forum, and readers eagerly embraced Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy as a trusted companion throughout the reform process.
More than simply an economic newspaper, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy was among the pioneering media organizations that helped popularize market-economy thinking during the early years of reform. At a time when Vietnam’s private sector was still in its infancy and businesses were navigating unfamiliar terrain in both commerce and international integration, the publication introduced concepts such as markets, competition, investment, corporate governance, and globalization to a broader audience. In that sense, it not only reported on reform but also helped spread the spirit of reform throughout Vietnam’s economic life.
Over the past 35 years, despite changes in name, format, and technology, the publications of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy have remained committed to a core mission: serving the nation, accompanying the government, ministries, local authorities, and business community while providing readers in Vietnam and abroad with reliable, in-depth, analytical, and practical economic information.
Responsible source
From the early years of reform, through Vietnam’s international economic integration and accession to the World Trade Organization, through global economic crises, post-pandemic recovery, and the digital transformation era, Tap chi Kinh te Vietnam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has consistently served as a responsible economic information platform, accurately reflecting economic realities, amplifying the voice of the business community, and contributing to policy dialogue.
One of the defining features of the organization has been the strategic vision of its editorial leadership in anticipating the evolution of modern journalism.
Years before data journalism became a mainstream trend, the leadership of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy had already recognized the growing importance of data in economic reporting. In 2018, for example, it approached the General Statistics Office (now the National Statistics Office) to discuss cooperation on building economic databases to support journalistic activities. It was a forward-looking vision. In economics, data is not merely an illustrative tool; it forms the foundation for stronger analysis, forecasting, and policy evaluation.
As a result, many articles in Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy incorporated charts, graphs, and modern data visualizations, transforming dry statistics into compelling and accessible narratives. The integration of journalism and data became one of the publication’s defining characteristics within Vietnam’s economic media landscape.
Working alongside the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy, research institutions, and domestic and international organizations, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has organized numerous high-profile economic forums and conferences, creating opportunities for dialogue between policymakers, local authorities, businesses, foreign investors, and experts.
Many valuable recommendations and policy proposals emerged from these forums, contributing to the development and refinement of Vietnam’s socio-economic policies. They also illustrate the growing role of modern journalism, not merely reflecting reality but connecting stakeholders and creating value for society.
The significance of these forums lies not in the number of events held but in their ability to connect participants from across the economy. Policymakers, businesses, researchers, domestic investors, and international investors have used these platforms to exchange ideas, recommendations, and reform initiatives. Through these efforts, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy gradually established itself not only as a media organization but also as a trusted and responsible forum for policy dialogue.
Another pillar of its reputation is its dedicated team of journalists and its network of highly-qualified contributors. Over the past 35 years, the publication has brought together leading economists, researchers, analysts, and experienced reporters and editors with strong professional expertise and a deep sense of responsibility.
This intellectual capital has produced in-depth reporting, insightful perspectives, and valuable analysis that have informed both policymaking and business decision-making.
Beyond journalism
As the organization enters its 35th year, it faces both significant opportunities and unprecedented challenges. The rapid rise of AI, the expansion of digital platforms, increasingly fragmented information consumption habits, and new business pressures are fundamentally reshaping the media landscape. In this environment, innovation is no longer simply a growth strategy, it is a prerequisite for maintaining relevance and leadership.
Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s future extends beyond its role as an economic publication. It must evolve into a modern media, data, and economic knowledge ecosystem – a hub connecting policymakers, regulators, businesses, experts, and investors and a trusted economic information gateway for both domestic and international business communities.
To achieve this vision, the organization must continue leading in the adoption of AI, data journalism, analytics, forecasting, and specialized information platforms, creating high-value knowledge products that technology alone cannot replicate.
In the digital era, when data has become a strategic resource and AI is transforming the production, distribution, and consumption of information, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s opportunity is not merely to become faster or more technologically advanced. At a higher level, it can aspire to become a center for economic data, analysis, and knowledge, bringing together information, forecasting trends, facilitating policy dialogue, and providing practical solutions for businesses and policymakers alike.
That is how the publication can continue fulfilling its pioneering role as Vietnam advances toward its 2045 development goals. Its 35-year journey is a source of pride, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter.
Vietnam’s ambition to become a high-income developed nation by 2045 will require modern and inclusive institutions, stronger enterprises, and media organizations capable of shaping thinking, disseminating knowledge, and fostering solutions for development.
With its pioneering tradition, innovative spirit, and commitment to public service, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam /Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy possesses all the foundations necessary to continue accompanying the nation on this journey, remaining true to the principle that has defined its identity for decades: “Authentic Perspectives – Positive Thinking – Practical Solutions.”
More than a journalistic philosophy, it is Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s commitment to supporting the development of Vietnam’s economy today and contributing to the country’s aspiration for prosperity and strength by 2045.
(*) Dr. Nguyen Bich Lam is the former Director General of the General Statistics Office (now the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance)