UNDP signals continuing support for Lao community radio

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will continue its support for the Enhancing People’s Participation through Community Radio project until 2021.
The cooperation project which began in 2017 will continue until 2021 at a total cost of more than 25 billion kip (US$3 million).

The details were revealed during a meeting on Friday between UNDP Resident Representative Ms Kaarina Immonen and Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Savankhone Razmountry to review cooperation between UNDP and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism before Ms Immonen ends her mission this year.
Mr Savankhone thanked the UNDP Representative for her contribution and support for community radio in eight districts of five provinces.
He also asked the UNDP to continue its support to improve community radio in Ta-oy and Samuay districts of Saravan province as well as in other areas. Meanwhile, Ms Immonen thanked the Lao government and especially the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism for their cooperation.
Her mission in Laos from 2014-2019 included support for the Community Participation and Communication Support Programme from 2011-2014 at a cost of US$1.6 million and continuation of the programme from 2014-2017 worth US$2 million.
Following Phase I of the community radio project from 2007-2017 authorities established community radio stations in eight districts in Xekong, Oudomxay, Saravan, Xayaboury and Xieng Khuang provinces.
Under Phase II from 2017-2021, authorities expect to set up four new community radio stations, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update April 22, 2019)