Since the introduction of its doi moi ("reform") policy in 1986, Vietnam has been undergoing a rapid transition from a planned- to a market-economy system. As part of this reform process, a trend toward greater openness and freedom of the media is also gaining momentum. In an effort to encourage this trend, the SPAF invited six Vietnamese media personnel to Japan in October, 1998, to make observations and meet counterparts from Japanese media and other organizations.

The guests included the director of the press department of Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Culture, the director of its International Department and journalists from Vietnamese newspaper, television and other media. Through visits to the press club of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sankei Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun newspapers, the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association, Sony Corporation, broadcaster Kyoto Hoso and other organizations, the group was able to observe Japanese journalism and media operations, exchange views with Japanese counterparts, study Japanese laws regarding free speech and examine Japan's distinctive press club system.