Ho Chi Minh City tightens rules on press information disclosure

The Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Standing Board has issued a new directive to strengthen press relations and information disclosure. The directive, signed by Permanent Deputy Secretary Le Quoc Phong, replaces a 2019 order and aims to address issues where certain agencies have been slow to provide information, avoided explanations, or created difficulties for the press.

Under the new guidelines, authorities must proactively provide information, especially regarding serious incidents that attract public attention. State administrative agencies are required to strictly follow government regulations regarding official spokespersons, including the use of press conferences, official digital channels, direct interviews, and written responses.

To ensure transparency, agencies must publicly list the names, positions, phone numbers, and official email addresses of their designated spokespersons on their websites. This move comes as the city implements a two-level local government model.