Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan hailed the rapid growth of VTV, which has actively contributed to the country’s socio-economic development as well as improving public awareness and enriching people’s spiritual life.

Mr. Nhan urged VTV to complete the national television network in line with international standards and further improve the quality of its news, cultural, educational and entertainment programmes.

VTV General Director Vu Van Hien said that, over the past 40 years, VTV has introduced various services ranging from television broadcasting to film production, pay-tv, internet and magazine publishion.

VTV now has 6 separate channels with the total airtime of 120 hours a day and it broadcasts to 90 percent of the country. The VTV4 channel for overseas Vietnamese has become popular in most regions in the world thanks to DTH satellite and Internet television.

In the near future, VTV will continue to produce more cultural, social and entertainment programmes, upgrade its pay-tv services and broadcast international channels with subtitles to suit Vietnamese people’s taste.

On the occasion, State President Nguyen Minh Triet granted the second Ho Chi Minh Order to VOV and the Independent Order, third class, to VTV General Director Vu Van Hien.