Vietnam makes positive contribution to CIRTEF

The French-Speaking Radio and Television International Council (CIRTEF) meeting will take place in Hanoi on April 25-29. On the occasion, a VOV reporter interviewed VOV general director Vu Van Hien who is president of CIRTEF for the 2009-2010 term.

VOV:  The CIRTEF meeting will be held in Hanoi on late April. Can you tell us about what the meeting will focus discussion on?

VOV General Director Vu Van Hien

Mr Hien: This is an annual meeting of CIRTEF senior leaders who will discuss a number of issues under the framework of the CIRTEF action programme. They include activities for the next term, promotions, co-operative programmes, especially in training, coordination among member countries and between CIRTEF members and partners and preparations for the CIRTEF General Assembly.

VOV:  What has Vietnam contributed to the CIRTEF over the past year?

Mr Hien: As the CIRTEF presidency, VOV and I myself have actively contributed to the organisation. I have met with CIRTEF leaders twice and visited the CIRTEF management centre in Brussels in Belgium to discuss common activities. I have met with all CIRTEF staff to learn about the current situation and get updated on proper proposals and orientations for the upcoming progammes.

Vietnam has proposed a number of initiatives which were highly appreciated by the CIRTEF Council. It is considered one of the countries which has made a great contribution to the organization, especially in promoting co-operative relations among the 52 CIRTEF member countries, seeking partners and strengthening relations with France and its organisations and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.

VOV: Have CIRTEF devised any specific projects to deal with global issues, such as climate change, environmental pollution, poverty reduction and conflicts over benefits among resident groups in society?

Mr Hien: Radio and Television plays an important role in dealing with global issues. CIRTEF has also devised several action programmes, such as making films on poverty, domestic violence, children illiteracy, and child labour in Africa as well as the difficulties of African women. All CIRTEF radio and television stations have got involved in the issue. They have also worked with each other to highlight pressing issues and measures to deal with them in each region and country.

VOV: What will CIRTEF do in the future?

Mr Hien: In the next years, CIRTEF will have a number of useful programmes, such as making communications programmes reflecting modern life, strengthening co-operation and exchanges, and proposing common ideas to address the world challenges. CIRTEF will also finance films and radio progammes on the issues. In addition, CIRTEF will have plans to help developing countries to improve the qualifications of reporters and editors to narrow the gap between radio and television broadcasting stations of CIRTEF member countries.

VOV: Thank you very much.