Vietnam has not calculated the detailed cost for hosting the recent North Korea – US summit but it is 'not much', according to Mai Tien Dung, minister and chairman of the Government Office.

Overview of the government's monthly press briefing on March 1. Source: VGP. 

The government aimed to minimize the use of state budget for the summit, while revenue generated from the event has partially covered the expenses, Dung said in response to a question from reporter regarding the cost for the North Korea – US summit in Hanoi at the government’s monthly press briefing on March 1. 

At the International Media Center (IMC) located in the Friendship Cultural Palace, in addition to five shared working space areas, there were 73 private working areas rent by 56 foreign media outlets at price of US$4,500 each. Of the total, US$1,500 was paid to Vietnam Television, the host broadcaster and US$3,000 for the organizer to cover all kinds of expenses. 

Nevertheless, the IMC offered free food, drinks and internet service, some reporters considered the food quality to that of luxury hotels, Dung added. 

When the media outlets were waiting for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Dong Dang station, local authority has provided tents and food for reporters as the temperature fell to below 12 degrees. The act was appreciated by foreign reporters, Dung continued. 

Dung added Vietnam would benefit both in short and long-term from the summit. For the immediate result, that North Korea and the US has chosen Vietnam as the host for the event demonstrates the country’s active contribution to regional and world peace, at the same time enhances Vietnam’s status on the global stage. 

Both the US and North Korean delegations have seen Vietnam as a peaceful country with rapid economic growth, while the world knows more about Vietnam, its culture and people. 

Overall, Vietnam has shown international friends its hospitality and ensure security at the highest level. 

Hoang Vinh Bao, deputy minister of Information and Communications, referred to Prime Minister’s Nguyen Xuan Phuc statement that it would cost millions of USD for a major media outlet to report about Vietnam, but this event has attracted nearly 250 major news agencies across the world, which is an invaluable success.  

Hanoitimes