Name: Khanh Chi Nguyen, Head of News Desk, Viet Nam News

Title: Together We Work, Together We Thrive

Abstract

In a world that has become flatter and deeper integrated, it is vital for people around the world to stay connected and share value. As a delivery device, media play a key role in promoting such connectivity and interactivity. The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping with the aim to promote the connectivity of Asian, European, and African continents, is vital for media outlets from countries along the route to work together and strengthen development to provide greater and better service for the audience. Through a truth-based cooperation, media bodies will help build harmony among these countries.

Two cases singled out as typical examples of effective cooperation are the Asia News Network (ANN) and the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agency (OANA). Both were established with the aim to provide a mechanism for news cooperation and exchange. Particularly, the improved coverage of Asian affairs by Asian media has reduced ANN member newspapers' dependence on international wire services, while it has increased in-depth news from an Asian perspective, which has strongly promoted the development of professional journalism in the region.

Meanwhile, through exchange and cooperation, OANA targets to lead the media market to provide quick and accurate news services, and better protect information sovereignty in the Asia- Pacific region.

The two cases mentioned above provide a clear demonstration that cooperation is for development and development is for cooperation. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, if media organisations foster such a form of cooperation and development, our voice can be heard globally and we can become one of the world's key agenda-setters.

Global news flow has of course been at the forefront of new technological advance to distribute news and information; media outlets from countries along the Belt and Road cannot stand outside, they must take actions. In other words, it is significant to increase investment in human resources, specifically in building the professional capacity of media workers; and investment in infrastructural capacity. According to UNESCO, promoting a diverse media environment requires investment in the means of communication, including the reception of broadcasts, the provision of electricity supply, and access to telephone and the internet.

Above all, cooperation is a must for media development among countries along the Belt and Road. Without any attempt to promote cooperation among media bodies, we may fall behind the fast-changing digital world. Vice versa, poor development of media organisations cannot build strong cooperation mechanisms for mutual benefit. Strong and developed media industry along the route will help foster cooperation, development, and integration of all parties. Realising these targets will enable us to build a brighter future together as outlined by the Belt and Road Initiative.

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