(Photo: Duc Anh/VOV5)

The organizing board has received a total of 970 entries in the categories of print newspaper, electronic newspaper, radio broadcast, television broadcast, press photo and book written in 15 languages from 115 press outlets, publishing houses, units and localities nationwide as well as foreign authors. Best 67 have been chosen for 7 first prizes, 15 second prizes, 18 third prizes and 27 consolation prizes. The National External Information Service Awards 2017 was launched by the Party Central Committee’s Communication and Education Commission, the Steering Committee for External Information Service and Nhan Dan newspaper.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh told the award granting ceremony on Thursday: “First launched in 2014, the contest has confirmed its prestige and drawn great attention from both domestic and foreign press organizations, publishers and reporters. After 3 years, the number of entries to the competition has tripled to 970 entries in 15 languages with improved quality, reflecting the awards’ spinoff effects and rising national image after 30 years of renovation and international integration. As a result, external communications have been successful in publicizing the Party and State foreign policies and fostering friendship with world community while contributing to national defense, interest protection, and territorial integrity.”

Voice of Vietnam won 3 second prizes, 2 third prizes and 2 consolation prizes.