As a locality with a large workforce and labor force in the fields of mining, industry, border gates and tourism, how do you assess the role of Lao Dong Newspaper in reflecting the thoughts and aspirations of workers as well as contributing to building harmonious labor relations in the area?
- Mr. Nguyen Tuan Anh: Lao Cai is a mountainous, border province with more than 42,000 workers and laborers, Lao Dong Newspaper has become a bridge between workers and all levels of government, trade union organizations and businesses.
What I appreciate is that Lao Dong Newspaper not only reflects difficulties in employment, income, and working conditions, but also delves into the lives of workers and people in mountainous areas to propose solutions. Many issues raised by the newspaper, such as labor safety violations and food safety and hygiene, have contributed to promoting functional agencies to get involved, protecting the legitimate rights of workers, and at the same time helping businesses adjust policies and build a harmonious, stable and developed working environment.
In the process of managing socio-economic development of the province, have there been issues where information from Lao Dong Newspaper has helped the government have more basis to direct, inspect or promptly remove difficulties for people and businesses?
- Reality shows that a lot of information from Lao Dong Newspaper has helped local authorities see more clearly the problems arising from the grassroots level.
Like the case of many households setting up tents and cooking in front of the gate of Ta Phoi copper mine in Hop Thanh commune to protest the land acquisition plan, functional forces have coordinated with Lao Dong Newspaper to propagate, dialogue, and promptly handle arising developments. From there, definitively resolve violations that have lasted for many years.
Especially, during the natural disasters that occurred in Lao Cai recently, reporters of Lao Dong Newspaper were always present very early at the scene. The images and information are constantly updated not only to help people across the country share with flood victims but also to be an important source of information for functional agencies to grasp the actual developments and promptly direct rescue and recovery efforts.
I highly appreciate the fact that many reporters not only report and leave, but also continue to accompany people after natural disasters, connecting social security programs, and supporting difficult circumstances. Recently, Lao Dong Newspaper also supported the locality in building Sang Pao school point (Xa Ho Ethnic Minority Boarding Primary and Secondary School, Hanh Phuc commune); building a kitchen at Hung Khanh commune kindergarten; building many gratitude houses for relatives of martyrs......
According to you, how should the press promote its role as a social critic and contribute ideas to accompany the government in the new development stage of Lao Cai province?
- A modern press not only reflects events but also contributes to finding solutions to the problems raised.
I highly appreciate many articles by Lao Dong Newspaper when approaching issues from a multi-dimensional perspective, analyzing the causes, consulting experts' opinions and proposing solutions. This helps the government have more information channels to refer to in the process of building and perfecting policies.
Typically, reflecting on the case of dozens of officials suffering from a terrible disease waiting to be dismissed, the province has directed the Department of Home Affairs to coordinate with the Department of Health to consider and resolve it in accordance with regulations but also thoroughly and closely with reality.
In addition to reflecting difficulties, Lao Dong Newspaper also devotes a lot of space to spreading good models, creative ways of doing things, and examples of good people and good deeds in the highlands. According to you, what is the significance of spreading positive values for arousing the aspiration for development and building the image of a dynamic, humane, and rich in identity Lao Cai?
- A locality that wants to develop sustainably not only needs large projects or positive growth indicators, but also needs spiritual values to be nurtured every day.
I am very impressed when Lao Dong Newspaper has separate columns such as: "True Vietnamese People", "Good Life, Beautiful Religion" paying much attention to village teachers, dedicated grassroots officials, workers overcoming difficulties, farmers who dare to innovate or young people who start businesses successfully in the highlands. Those stories bring belief, inspire and create motivation for many people to try together.
That is also the way to promote the most authentic image of Lao Cai. An attractive land not only because of its natural landscape but also because of its people, because of the spirit of overcoming difficulties, solidarity and aspiration to rise up of ethnic minorities.
Lao Cai is aiming for green and sustainable development, becoming a connecting center of the Northwest region. According to you, how can Lao Dong Newspaper promote its strengths in promoting the local image, attracting investment, developing tourism and introducing the province's potential?
- Lao Cai is facing many development opportunities with an increasingly complete transport infrastructure system, border gate economy, processing industry, logistics, tourism and high-quality agriculture all have a lot of room.
I highly appreciate the success of the seminar "Lao Cai - A place of convergence of Northwest colors" organized by the Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee in coordination with Lao Dong Newspaper in mid-July. Key issues such as building the Lao Cai tourism brand; strengthening regional linkages; expanding the international tourist market; developing high-quality tourism infrastructure and products; perfecting the investment environment to attract strategic investors have been raised and there are suggestions to help the province find appropriate solutions.
I hope Lao Dong Newspaper will continue to be a reputable media channel to introduce the potentials, advantages, investment environment, effective development models and positive movements of the locality to the business community and readers nationwide.
Thank you very much, sir!
