Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has asked the media to expose issues of social concern in a constructive manner in line with the Media Law, in order that solutions can be reached.
he premier issued the advice during a two-day national meeting of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism held at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane, which ended yesterday.
Minister Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, deputy ministers and officials working in the three sectors from around the country attended the meeting.
The Prime Minister described the media as an effective tool in disseminating the Party’s policies, state laws and the government’s socio-economic development plans.
The media also plays an important role in giving the public useful information, bringing problems into the open and providing recommendations that lead to solutions, while also fulfilling people’s needs, he said.
The Prime Minister advised television and radio producers to be more creative and introduce more attractive programmes that would attract larger audiences.
He also suggested the broadcast of more programmes that provided useful information and educated people.
He asked the ministry to consider ways to teach the public to use social media in a positive manner, saying that social media and the internet function as a global library and a knowledge hub for netizens.
In addition, the premier told officials to make full use of the diverse and unique cultures and customs of the country’s multiethnic groups, to promote tourism and maximise the benefits of the country’s rich heritage.
“We should do our utmost to maximise the benefits of our culture and archeological
sites in the promotion of tourism,” he told the hundreds of participants in the meeting hall.
He added that foreign visitors are usually impressed by Laos’ diverse and unique culture, customs and hospitality, which entice so many people to return.
The Prime Minister praised the ministry for its strong performance in encouraging greater numbers of tourists to experience Laos’ cultural attractions.
But, he said, the ministry needed to work harder to persuade more tourists to experience the country’s historic sites and natural beauty.
The ministry was also advised to partner with other sectors to ensure the safety of tourists travelling through Laos.
Mr Thongloun expressed concern over the growing influence of undesirable cultures from other areas that could undermine Laos’ efforts to preserve its fine and deep-rooted culture.
In this regard, he instructed the ministry to educate the public and raise awareness of the issue so they would continue to practice and preserve Lao culture.
Meeting participants were also told to do more to prevent ancient artefacts and treasures from being stolen following reports which suggested that this was happening. The Prime Minister congratulated the information, culture and tourism sectors on their achievements in past years, which he said had contributed significantly to socio-economic developme nt.
In reply, Prof. Dr Bosengkham promised that the ministry would translate the Prime Minister’s advice into its five-year plan for 2016-20, which was adopted by the meeting. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the ministry’s five-year plan for 2011-15.
By Time Reporters
