Vietnam News Agency Marks 80 Years as Nation Celebrates National Day

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: As Vietnam celebrates its 80th National Day, the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) also commemorates its 80th Traditional Day, marking eight decades since its founding on September 15, 1945. The milestone recalls an institution that has accompanied the nation through every chapter of its modern history — from wars of resistance to years of rebuilding, the launch of Đổi Mới (Renewal), and Vietnam’s rise on the global stage.

Speaking with Báo Tin Tức (News) on this occasion, VNA General Director Vũ Việt Trang reflected on the agency’s historical mission, evolving role, and future priorities. She recalled that just 13 days after President Hồ Chí Minh read the Declaration of Independence, the very first VNA bulletin was issued in Vietnamese, English, and French — a pioneering step that carried the voice of a newly independent nation both at home and abroad.

Over the decades, VNA reporters worked on the frontlines of conflict, with nearly 260 sacrificing their lives in the pursuit of information. That legacy of courage, Vũ Việt Trang noted, continues to define the agency’s mission in peace and in crises, from covering storms and natural disasters to standing alongside the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From its first multilingual bulletins, VNA has grown into a multimedia institution publishing in more than ten languages, with 34 domestic bureaus and 30 overseas offices. It is now recognized as both “the secretary of the times” and “pioneering soldiers on the information front,” ensuring Vietnam’s voice is heard around the world.

Looking ahead, VNA is prioritizing digital transformation, data journalism, and the application of artificial intelligence to remain competitive in an increasingly crowded information space. The agency also continues to expand cooperation with more than 40 international news organizations, reinforcing its role as a bridge between Vietnam and the global community.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that eighty years of tradition give us both pride and responsibility,” Vũ Việt Trang said. “With trust in the Party, determination to innovate, and a commitment to our historic mission, VNA is ready to continue writing new chapters worthy of its role as the nation’s strategic sourc