Continuing its fifth session, the 13th National Assembly’s delegates on June 13 questioned Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh on a series of 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, Minister 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 percent of the facilities needed for the games are available, he added. He believes that there will be solutions to solve the financial difficulties.

In regard to the culture of reading, 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 besides Minister Anh, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Bac Son emphasised the Internet’s impacts on culture. In the coming time, he said, his ministry will help the Government build a new decree on management of the provision of internet services.

Regarding the presentation of the ministers before the National Assembly, Vo Van Ai, who is Deputy Chairman of Quang Nam province’s Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, said the ministers, with Minister Anh as an example, gave too general answers which are heavy on the side of theory. He said Minister Anh was not able to point out good solutions for his sector.

Meanwhile, Bui Ngoc Quy, who is Deputy Chairman of the Thang Long-Hanoi Cultural Heritage Association, said as a voter he shared the difficulties facing the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. According to Quy, time and coordination among ministries and agencies is needed to work out solutions for the development of the cultural, sports and tourism sector.-VNA