Training in both the management and technical areas of publishing is the single most important developmental need identified by those working in the sector, since it is said that existing publishing programmes offered in Việt Nam are strongly theory-based and do not equip students properly for work in an increasingly specialised and high-tech profession. One particular problem is inconsistency between the component pre-press, press and post-press areas, which tends to reduce overall quality of product, even in those organisations with the most up-to-date printing equipment.

Since paper produced in Việt Nam is of very low quality, most Vietnamese books and magazines are now printed on imported paper.

One of the most significant problems facing the publishing sector is that of copyright infringements. To date Việt Nam has made significant advances in the development of legislation relating to the protection of intellectual property and this goes a long way towards meeting the requirements of the World Trade Organisation. However, as Việt Nam prepares to participate in various international trade agreements (including in October 2004 becoming the 156th signatory to the Berne Convention), there remains overlap and contradiction between the various laws relating to intellectual property, and understanding of the issues surrounding copyright and the potential benefits to writers remains limited. Above all adequate means to enforce the legislation have yet to be found. A new dedicated law on intellectual property is currently being prepared by the National Copyright Office of Việt Nam.