Laos, DPRK enhance information co-operation

(KPL) - Lao information and culture officials on 18 June held a bilateral meeting here with the Committee for Information of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to discuss the co-operation on information dissemination between the countries.

The meeting was held during a working visit to Laos on 18-21 June by the
President of the DPRK Committee for Information, Mr. Kang Nung Su.
Both sides informed each other of their activities and achievements in
information and reviewed their co-operation in the past.

The officials of the two countries have agreed to further enhance their
information co-operation in the coming years.
Lao Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Mounkeo Oraboune, who led the
Lao side at the meeting, expressed satisfaction over the bilateral
co-operation, particularly the co-operation on information.

Mr. Mounkeo highlighted the growth of the information sector in Laos during
the 1993-2007 period.

He said the number of newspapers and magazines had increased from 13 to 70
at present. There are seven daily newspapers for local and foreign readers.

While the number of radio stations also rises from 14 to 35 and televisions
from 2 to 32. Nationwide, the information sector has employed around 1,200
people, up from 600 in 1993.

Mr. Mounkeo said that the Lao mass media also broadcast information on local
and international events to readers and viewers in many countries through
the cyber system. Many news organisations are striving to be self-reliant
financially to reduce the budgetary burden from the government.