Voice of Vietnam's 13th National Radio Festival is taking place this week in the northern province of Vinh.

This year's festival opened with a bang as drums were beaten and fireworks went off during the opening ceremony.

The festival focuses on radio’s role in promoting industrialization, modernization, and international integration. A conference and awards ceremony will explore new technology and provide “an opportunity to honor reporters whose work have a positive impact on society, as well as a chance for journalists to meet and exchange experience.”

International speakers at the conference include Steve Ahern from Australia, Joanne Ha from KBS Korea, and Masakazu Iwaki from NHK Japan. Conference sessions will include discussions on transmission, new platforms, podcasting, and social media usage.

This year’s National Radio Festival will award 17 gold, 47 silver, 84 bronze and 60 consolation prizes. It also has 5 awards for the best program production work.

At an opening ceremony yesterday, broadcast live on television, The Deputy Prime Mimister of Vietnam told the hundreds of delegates attending: “Radio plays an important part in modernisation of the country.” He spoke about the history of Vietnam's national radio broadcaster VoV, since the war and about the future of the national broadcaster.

“Voice of Vietnam was first launched at the time of Ho Chi Minh. During war time radio was very important and now it is still important.

“As well as its work here in Vietnam, VoV now reaches many people around the world, via internet.

“VoV programs create an opportunity for people to share their opinions… Radio plays an important part in modernisation of the country.

“Radio is changing and embracing new technology and interacting with audiences in new ways and on new media platforms… We are embracing technology for the country and making many positive changes.

“This festival is important to celebrate the birthday of Ho Chi Minh this month at his birthplace here in Vinh.”