The Vietnamese Government always prioritises and facilitates the comprehensive development of the broadcasting sector towards modern technology, production professionalisation and diverse services, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has said.

The PM made the affirmation while addressing the opening ceremony of the 50th General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU GA 50), themed “Serving Our Audience in the Digital Era,” in Hanoi on October 28.

The Vietnamese Government also encourages the sector to boost cooperation, and regional and international integration to improve the role and responsibility of radio-television in information popularisation, he added.

This will contribute to national defence, raise people’s intellect and meet their entertainment demands, as well as strengthen friendship and cooperation with other countries and peoples, said the PM.

He further said that the Government, since 2011, has approved and implemented a plan on digitalising the Vietnamese broadcasting sector by 2020.

The booming of information technology, especially digital technology and convergence communication, has formed a new era which narrows space and time distances, he said, adding that thanks to digital technology, audiences can watch TV programmes anywhere, on any device.

The digitalisation process has become a common trend in the world’s broadcasting sector with the aim to improve information effectiveness and meet audience demand for multi-directional information, he said, adding that this also poses challenges to mass media and radio stations, requiring them to be dynamic, creative and expand effective development.

PM Dung also expressed his hope that the meeting will offer a chance for policymakers, speakers and managers from ABU members and partners to exchange views and put forth strategic orientations and action plans to develop the radio-television sector, strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation among the members, thus meeting audience demand for information and contributing to peace, friendship, cooperation and development of countries and peoples in the world.

The ABU GA 50, the year’s biggest event for the regional broadcasting sector, attracts 500 international delegates from 50 countries and territories worldwide, and 200 local ones.

Established in 1964, the ABU aims to support its members in developing broadcasting, cooperation in the exchange of programmes, technology and service consultation, and human resources training.

The union now includes 255 members in 63 countries and territories, including associated ones in Europe and North America. Radio the Voice of Vietnam and Vietnam Television joined the organisation in 1976.-VNA