Journalism Contest on Environmental Protection in the Industry and Trade Sector: Spreading Green Thinking

The 2025 Journalism Competition on Environmental Protection in the Industry and Trade Sector not only honors but also clearly illustrates the role of journalism in spreading green thinking.

The press acts as a bridge to bring policies into practice.

On the afternoon of December 15th, the Industry and Trade Newspaper collaborated in organizing the awards ceremony for the 2025 Journalism Contest on Environmental Protection in the Industry and Trade Sector. On the sidelines of the awards ceremony, the authors shared their joy and highly appreciated the significance of the contest.

Journalist Pham Nguyen Long - Deputy Head of the Economic Department, News Division of the Voice of Vietnam Radio , co-author of the winning entry in the Special Prize competition, shared his calm yet profound feelings: " As a reporter who has followed the Industry and Trade sector for over 20 years, I see the topic of environmental protection in the sector as very important, bringing many benefits to businesses and the community ."

The team of authors from Voice of Vietnam Radio received the Special Prize. Photo: Nam Nguyen.

According to journalist Pham Nguyen Long, specialized journalism awards like this have motivated reporters to "go to the scene and see things firsthand," instead of just approaching issues through written documents or conferences. The unique nature of radio and multi-platform journalism forces professionals to go to the grassroots level and directly interact with businesses, factories, and production areas. From there, journalism not only reflects reality but also becomes an effective channel for communicating policies.

" Through interviews and practical research, businesses themselves recognize their responsibility to do better in spreading positive information to the community through the press ," journalist Pham Nguyen Long shared.

Journalist Pham Nguyen Long - Deputy Head of the Economic Department, News Division - Voice of Vietnam Radio. Photo: Nam Nguyen

From this perspective, the competition goes beyond simply awarding prizes; it contributes to forming a circular information flow: Policy - press - businesses - community. When information is conveyed fully, clearly, and with vivid examples, the environmental policies of the Ministry of Industry and Trade will truly be integrated into daily production.

From years of practical experience, journalist Pham Nguyen Long has also observed a significant shift in the mindset of businesses. While previously environmental concerns were often viewed as a "cost," they have now become a "mandatory condition." " Green production and sustainable development are crucial requirements today. Businesses are forced to change; there is no other way ," journalist Pham Nguyen Long stated.

This change owes a great deal to the media, through the dissemination of best practices and models, as well as the timely reporting of difficulties in policy implementation. Throughout this process, the proactive role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in providing information, along with the collaboration of the Industry and Trade Newspaper, has been highly appreciated by many reporters as an "extended arm" in communicating environmental policies.

Journalistic works have become a channel for critical analysis and suggesting solutions.

From a different perspective, journalist Nguyen Van Huy - Deputy Secretary-General of Tuoi Tre Thu Do Newspaper, author of the A Prize-winning three-part series on energy, argues that the appeal of environmental topics lies in their close connection to "hot" issues in the economy.

His articles focus on obstacles in the electricity sector, from wind and solar power to pricing frameworks, incentive mechanisms, and acceptance procedures. "Businesses have contacted us and asked us to publish articles to voice their concerns, reflect their difficulties, desires, and recommendations so that regulatory agencies can understand and have a basis for resolving them," journalist Nguyen Van Huy said.

The authors attending the event. Photo: Can Dung

According to journalist Nguyen Van Huy, following the commitments at COP26, the goal of reducing emissions and moving towards net-zero emissions by 2050 has become a consistent direction. Therefore, articles on energy and the environment are no longer narrow specialized topics, but are directly related to the national development strategy.

However, he also frankly pointed out a reality: the environmental communication efforts of many businesses are still weak. Businesses focus on production and business, but have not invested adequately in communicating policies and environmental issues. This gap is precisely where the press can play its role as a bridge. Journalist Nguyen Van Huy also emphasized: " The press helps businesses understand regulations correctly and fully. At the same time, it reflects emerging problems so that management agencies can consider and adjust them ."

Hero of Labor Nguyen Quang Mau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dat Viet Ceramic Joint Stock Company - the author who won the Special Prize in the competition. Photo: Nam Nguyen

Not only the press, but also the businesses participating in the competition clearly recognize the widespread value of environmental works. Labor Hero Nguyen Quang Mau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dat Viet Ceramic Joint Stock Company - the author who won the Special Prize in the competition with the work "Dat Viet Ceramic: The journey of igniting fire from earth, preserving a green future," shared a very real story: From the very beginning of the company's establishment, he dedicated nearly 40% of its land to green spaces. Although it was once considered wasteful, reality has proven that caring for the environment is absolutely right.

Beyond investing in landscaping, the company has also persistently researched and mastered Italian dry grinding and ultra-fine technology to minimize dust and protect the health of its workers. Such stories, when documented and recounted convincingly by the press, contribute to clarifying a simple message: Protecting the environment does not hinder but is the foundation for sustainable development.

Improve the quality of artwork to spread green policies.

From an expert's perspective, Mr. Nguyen Cong Dung - a member of the Editorial and Publishing Council of the National Political Publishing House - highly appreciates the overall quality of the entries in this year's competition.

According to him, many articles have been seriously invested in, vividly reflecting the implementation of the Party and State's guidelines and policies, clarifying the role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in energy transition, emission reduction, and circular economy development. In particular, the portrayal of pioneering enterprises applying clean technology and green production has created a positive ripple effect.

However, he also pointed out some frank limitations: The quality of the works is uneven, some are merely illustrative, lacking in-depth analysis, evidence, and critical perspectives. “ Improving the quality of works requires more attention to topic selection, investing in exploring the depth of content, and enhancing the originality and creativity in expression .”

Delegates pose for a group photo with the award-winning authors. Photo: Nam Nguyen

These comments show that the competition was not only an opportunity to summarize achievements, but also a chance to reflect on how journalism approaches environmental issues in a new context – where the demands for professionalism, the ability to shape public opinion, and the value of policy references are increasingly high.

Based on the experience of the 2025 season, many opinions suggest that the Organizing Committee should continue to expand the scope of topics, encourage in-depth investigation, diversify forms of expression, and strengthen connections between the press, management agencies, and businesses. In that case, journalistic works would not only reflect reality but truly become catalysts for green action.

The 2025 Journalism Competition on Environmental Protection in the Industry and Trade Sector, viewed through specific articles and stories, clearly demonstrates one thing: when journalism is done properly, environmental policies will no longer be dry, rigid text, but will become vibrant movements in socio-economic life. From there, the path to green development will have a more solid foundation to go further.

Now in its third year, the 2025 Journalism Competition on Environmental Protection in the Industry and Trade Sector aims to recognize the role of the press in reflecting, analyzing, and disseminating information on environmental issues within the sector. Having been held three times, the competition has become a prestigious professional platform for journalists, reporters, contributors, environmental experts, and those interested in green and sustainable development.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/cuoc-thi-bao-chi-viet-ve-bao-ve-moi-truong-nganh-cong-thuong-lan-toa-tu-duy-xanh-434888.html