7. Supporting the development of the publishing sector in Lao PDR

At present, there are 127 media publications, including 27 newspapers (which 11 of them are daily). The sector has also established the Pasason Newspapers printing house in Champasak. Throughout the country there are 10 public libraries, in addition to mobile libraries and portable book cases (8000 in total), and reading buses and boats operated in both cities and rural areas. Since 2004, “Sinxay Literature Award” was set up and aims to favour and recognize the outstanding writers. Within the ASEAN framework, 19 Lao writers have worn the “SEAWrite Award”, 27 “Mekong Literature Award” and many other outstanding prizes of national literature. For the National Artist and Outstanding artist, a part of receiving the medal and certificate of honorific trophy they will as well receive in form of monetary award around 900 US$ and 500 US$ respectively.

The libraries at the provincial level are overseen by the Provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism. The National library is in charge of training librarians as well as provision of basic collection of books and printed materials. 

The publishing sector is governed by the Law on Publishing (2008), which promotes the publishing for its quantity and for its best quality, encourages creativity, reading, and education. The Law covers editing the originals of researches, productions, translation work, paintings and photography before publishing. The Law also covers the rights of the publishing houses and design shops. 

The Writers’ Association, Library’s Association and Printing’s Association coordinate the work within the sector both domestically and internationally.