However, the Department of Archives must first be capable of properly cataloguing and storing records and making them accessible to those that need them. At the present time much of its existing collection has yet to be organised and there is no additional storage space left in the existing archive buildings, both of which are in very poor condition with a serious roof leakage problem.

Top of the list of developmental priorities at the Department of Archives is the establishment of a new climatised archive facility to replace the premises in which it is currently housed.

Of equal importance is the provision of training, materials and equipment with a view to establishing standards of good management with respect to the creation, organisation, maintenance and retirement of the records currently stored in the repository.

On all counts the Department will be heavily dependent on the provision of overseas aid.

The management of the Department of Archives is particularly keen to learn from the experience of neighbouring Việt Nam, which in recent years has made significant progress with the development of its archival sector.