The meeting was chaired by Mr Phongsavanh Sisoulath, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr Phimphon Phandanouvong, Deputy Governor of Champasak Province.

Participants included representatives from central ministries and agencies, officials from the four southern provinces and other relevant stakeholders.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Phongsavanh Sisoulath said the consultation marked the final round of discussions with local authorities following earlier consultations held for northern and central provinces in April.

He said the revised decree is intended to replace the existing decree regulating news operations of foreign media agencies, diplomatic missions and international organizations in Laos, which has been in force since 2015.

According to the ministry, implementation of the current decree has revealed challenges, including a lack of centralized coordination between central and local authorities, overlaps with sector-specific regulations and gaps in coverage of relevant parties.

The revised decree is aimed at creating a clearer, more comprehensive and enforceable legal framework consistent with Lao and international law while strengthening nationwide management of foreign media operations and promoting broader information exchange between Laos and other countries.

During the consultation, the drafting committee presented the revised decree, and participants provided feedback focusing on the rights, duties and responsibilities of their respective sectors.

KPL