The Party Committee of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism are committed to enhancing their leadership role and capacity to ensure the greater achievement of the sector in the near future.

The committee held a mid-term review in Vientiane yesterday which was co-chaired by the Party Secretary and Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, Deputy Party Secretary and Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Buangeun Xaphouvong and Party Standing Member and Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Savankhone Razmountry.

Former Minister of Information and Culture Mr Mounkeo Oraboun and other Party Committee Members also attended the meeting.

Prof. Dr Bosengkham delivered his opening speech at the meeting before Mr Buangeun presented a report detailing the achievements of the sector made over the past years as well as the challenges remaining and goals to accomplish in the future.

Concerning the information sector, the number of printing and electronic media outlets have been growing in both quality and quantity, with the number of printed media outlets rising from 90 in 2010 to 110 in 2013.

These included daily, weekly and monthly newspapers as well as yearly magazines, journals and news bulletins around the country. Their work is published in the Lao, English and French languages.

The number of radio stations also increased from 43 in 2010 to 53 in 2013 while the number of television stations rose from 32 in 2010 to 37 in 2013. There are six television chennels and three of them are private.

This indicated that the media played an increasing role in advocating the Party’s policies and laws of the State as well as educating, entertaining and raising awareness among local people, helping to alleviate their poverty.

Concerning the cultural sector, the ministry concentrated on promoting the fine traditions and culture of Laos. Cultural performers and singers under the umbrella of the ministry have contributed to the success of various regional and international events hosted by Laos in the past years, including the Asia-Europe Meeting last year.

The achievements also included the establishment of more cultural families and villages. So far, the number of cultural families has reached more than 162,000, covering about 15 percent of the total families in the country. Meanwhile, the number of cultural villages reached 794, covering 9.21 percent of the total villages in Laos.

Concerning the tourism sector, the number of tourist arrivals in Laos continued to rise due to improved services and the tourism campaigns being undertaken by the government and the private sector. The number of tourist arrivals in 2012 reached 3.3 million people, up 22 percent compared to the previous year.

According to the report, the number of Party cells of the ministry also increased from 37 in 2010 to 43 in 2013. Meanwhile the number of the Party members increased from 514 in 2010 to 605 in 2013; and the number of comprehensively competent Party cells increased from 32 in 2010 to 39 in 2013.

Source: Vientiane Times
May 31, 2013