Culture Minister grilled about pressing issues

NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, who chaired the gathering, asked the minister to focus on three issues: solutions to build an advanced, national character-imbued culture and enhance social morality; measures to overcome shortcomings and weaknesses in order to boost tourism development and improve Vietnam’s tourism brand name; and accelerate physical training and the sports movement. 

Regarding the tourism sector, Anh said that under an approved development strategy, the sector will quickly become a spearhead economic industry. The development of the tourism sector will be attached to the preservation of historical relics and all economic sectors will be encouraged to invest in tourism development. 

Over the past time, his ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, has upgraded five tourism schools to colleges, as part of efforts to increase personnel quality for the sector, he said. 

In his opinion, it is necessary to accelerate the work of tourism promotion as well as strengthen links among service providers and the State management of the sector. 

In response to the delegates’ questions about Vietnam’s hosting of ASIAD 2019, the minister stressed that the event has not only political and diplomatic meanings but also economic and cultural significance. 

Hosting the event will be expensive, but it is a good chance for the country to popularise its image among international friends, Minister Anh said. At present, about 80% of the facilities needed for the games are available, he added. He believes that there will be solutions to surmount financial difficulties. 

In regard to the reading culture, especially among the youth, the minister said society is overwhelmed with various kinds of entertainment, especially in the field of information and communication. Meanwhile, the system of libraries in Vietnam is irregularly arranged, he said. 

Taking the floor, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Bac Son emphasised the Internet’s impact on culture, saying his ministry will help the Government build a new decree on management of the provision of internet services.