It benefits him, it benefits her, it benefits both sides.

From the first quarter of 2022 until now, the real estate market has been in a slump. Supply and liquidity across the market have both decreased sharply, and the number of real estate companies going bankrupt has increased month by month.

In response to this situation, in March 2023, the Government issued Resolution 33/NQ-CP on a number of solutions to overcome difficulties so that the real estate market can develop safely, healthily, and sustainably.

In this regard, the Government has requested the Ministry of Information and Communications to focus on directing and effectively controlling information and media channels, coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security to implement measures, systems, and personnel to control, detect, compile statistics, and block inaccurate and unofficial social media information channels that may negatively impact the psychology of the people, investors, customers, and the market, especially information affecting economic recovery and growth.

At the same time, the Government also requested the Ministry of Information and Communications to coordinate with other ministries and agencies to strengthen and promote the provision of official, accurate, and truthful information, avoiding misleading information to stabilize the psychology of the people, investors, and customers, and to stabilize the market.

On the occasion of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21st), a reporter from the Journalists & Public Opinion Newspaper had an interview with Mr. Pham Nguyen Toan - Vice President of the Vietnam Real Estate Association, Editor-in-Chief of the Vietnam Real Estate e-magazine - about the relationship between the press and media and the real estate market.

It benefits him, it benefits her, it benefits both sides.

+ If we consider the time when the Government issued Resolution 33/NQ-CP as a milestone, what kind of relationship, in your opinion, did the press and media have with the real estate market before that?

- As everyone knows, along with several key markets and sectors such as agriculture, industry and technology, finance and currency, and consumer goods, real estate plays an extremely important and pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the nation.

Therefore, the recent decline and impending crisis in the real estate market has had serious impacts on the overall development of the country, creating a negative ripple effect on many other industries and sectors.

This isn't the first time the market has been in this state; however, I believe that, unlike previous occasions, the risk of this crisis is even greater and more negative. This is because the influence of the current real estate market is enormous.

Furthermore, the crisis arose from fundamental market issues such as a lack of sustainability and transparency; a lack of consistency in the legal and regulatory systems; and a loss of investor and customer confidence.

Recognizing this, the Government has issued a Resolution on a number of solutions to overcome difficulties so that the real estate market can develop safely, healthily, and sustainably. This includes specific directives for press and media activities, which I believe are absolutely necessary.

Returning to the question of the relationship between the press and media and the real estate market, historically, this has been a positive, mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship.

Preliminary surveys indicate that over 30% of the revenue from journalistic activities comes from the real estate market and related sectors, such as construction, building materials, and interior design.

This demonstrates that the amount of money real estate businesses "pour" into media and advertising activities is enormous, approximately 5-10% of their production and business costs, directly impacting the livelihoods of press agencies and media companies.

Conversely, the role of the press and media in the real estate market is also very significant. It's evident that nowadays, almost every newspaper has a real estate section.

Every day, thousands of articles about this market appear in the press, and no real estate company is without a communications department. In terms of mutual benefit, the greater the intertwined interests, the deeper and closer the relationship must be, and naturally, both parties aim for a positive outcome.

Mr. Pham Nguyen Toan - Vice President of the Vietnam Real Estate Association, Editor-in-Chief of the online Real Estate Magazine.

According to a report by the Ministry of Construction, in the first quarter of 2023, real estate businesses continued to face many difficulties. The number of newly established businesses operating in the real estate sector decreased by 63.2% compared to the same period in 2022. Conversely, the number of businesses dissolved or temporarily ceasing operations increased by 30.2% and 60.7% respectively compared to the same period last year.

The Ministry of Construction assesses that this is a challenging period for brokerage firms lacking the competitiveness to survive, but it is also an opportunity for professional firms to rise above and develop more sustainably.

+ Is this relationship truly as good as he claims, or is it just a case of "pretending to be friendly while secretly harboring resentment"? After all, in some cases, real estate businesses have suffered significant losses due to inaccurate information.

- "Because We Need Each Other" is one of my favorite songs. The main idea of ​​the song is that in love, both partners need each other, and loving each other leads to good things. However, if two people can't be together, causing each other pain is also a possibility. (laughs)

Applying the main idea of ​​the song to the relationship between the press and media and the real estate market is also relevant. However, given the role and responsibility of the press, harming the interests of businesses and the market should be avoided.

In the course of their work, real estate journalists may choose to report positively or negatively; what matters is accuracy and reflecting the true state of the market. To achieve this, journalists need to possess a compassionate heart.

Regarding the phrase "pretending to agree but secretly disagreeing," it's perhaps more accurate from the perspective of businesses. Because, often, they suffer injustice from media reports, yet they don't dare react strongly for fear of the saying, "You can't hold on until morning."

Can you give specific examples of the impact of the press on the real estate market?

- There are many, and they are very significant. Both in terms of positive and negative aspects. In fact, it is the press that best speaks about the mounting difficulties of businesses and the current real estate market so that the State and society understand and share them.

Or, pointing out legal and policy shortcomings in the market so that the State can promptly direct adjustments is also the work of the press, isn't it?

For customers to know and understand the products/services of each real estate business, the press is not only a promotional channel but also an important verification channel. However, there is also information that leads to social misunderstandings, causing businesses to suffer.

Don't treat real estate as the "culprit".

+ Following the government's directive, do you think the press and media have a different perspective when reporting on the real estate market? What positive signals has this change brought, and has it ensured the government's goal of "stabilizing public sentiment, investor confidence, and customer satisfaction, and stabilizing the market"?

- It can be seen that, following the government's directive, the media's information activities have recently undergone many positive changes, contributing to ensuring the set goal of "stabilizing the psychology of the people, investors, and customers, and stabilizing the market." However, frankly, the press still needs to make many changes, especially in how it frames and perceives issues; the press should not treat real estate as the "culprit."

However, the relationship between the media and businesses is a mutually beneficial one. In this relationship, the responsibility of the media is to reflect the truth and uncover the facts. Analyzing and understanding a phenomenon or event must also aim to clarify its nature and find solutions to the problem being raised.

The media is actively reporting on hot, new, and important issues that are of interest to society and readers, in an objective and transparent manner.

In Resolution 33/NQ-CP, the Government issued four directives regarding information dissemination, communication, restoring confidence, and supporting the market and operations of real estate businesses.

Firstly, the Government requests that information and communication be intensified to clearly convey the strong message and commitment of the Government and the Prime Minister to work alongside localities and businesses to resolve difficulties in the real estate market, protect legitimate individuals and businesses, and ensure a harmonious balance of interests between the state, the people, and businesses.

Secondly, it is necessary to strictly and effectively control and censor inaccurate and unofficial social media information channels that can negatively impact the psychology of the people, investors, customers, and the market, especially information that could affect economic recovery and growth.

Thirdly, the Government also requested the strengthening of information disclosure and transparency, especially the timely dissemination and public announcement of new State policies, regulations, and solutions regarding credit, bonds, stocks, and the real estate market situation, etc., so that society has accurate and official information, thereby stabilizing public sentiment and the market.

Finally, strengthen supervision and promptly and strictly handle acts of disseminating inaccurate information that negatively impact the operation of the financial, credit, and real estate markets.

Meanwhile, there is also a shift in the need for businesses to promote and introduce their products in the press. Currently, real estate businesses wanting to stimulate the market have to invest money and take responsibility for the information they provide. However, the press has the responsibility to verify this information; this is a matter of service.

When providing a service, the press must excel in both content and the reputation of the publication. At the same time, media outlets must improve the quality of their services to attract customers. Forcing people to use one's services is an unprofessional approach.

As we all know, in recent years, our press and media industry has faced many "problems" with businesses, largely stemming from difficulties in the economic operation of journalism. This has significantly impacted the reputation and image of the press in the eyes of the business community and society. Therefore, the State and the agencies responsible for directing and managing the press have taken many decisive measures to address this, which is essential.

+ In your opinion, what will the future hold for cooperation between the press and the real estate market to achieve the government's objectives?

- The nature of a relationship or partnership must originate from at least both sides. If we both have good intentions and integrity, it will inevitably lead to positive outcomes.

I believe that we, both the press and real estate businesses, need to abandon the "give and take" mentality. In particular, the press should treat real estate market issues fairly.

Restoring market confidence in the real estate sector is crucial. Besides the efforts of businesses to overcome this difficult period, the involvement and support of the press is invaluable. And the domestic press should get involved with the mindset of "helping others is helping ourselves."

Real estate and the real estate market are not just a "game " for the rich. They affect every family, every aspect of life, and the development of the country. Therefore, ensuring the healthy and sustainable development of this market is a shared responsibility, including that of the press.

I don't presume to criticize, but frankly, the media's understanding of the real estate market in our country is still quite superficial. And this lack of thoroughness, whether intentional or unintentional, often leads to a lack of impartiality.

Thank you very much, sir!

Viet Vu (Editor)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bao-chi-voi-thi-truong-bat-dong-san-loi-anh-loi-a-loi-ca-doi-ben-post252539.html