IT sector rolls out new development strategy

The development of broadband internet, particularly in rural areas, will play a key role to transform Viet Nam into an advanced ICT country, authorities and experts have agreed.

The Ministry of Information and Communications last week consulted foreign experts and authorities from 63 cities and provinces on rolling out information and communications technology (ICT) to the countryside.

The ministry has requested local authorities to increase the involvement of private sector in ICT, especially the development of broadband infrastructure.

Provinces and cities should prioritise the use of local budgets and other resources to promote major ICT projects. The implementation of favourable policies to facilitate investment in ICT is indispensable, it says.

“The Viet Nam National Broadband Network (NBN) Project will help Viet Nam bridge the digital divide, raise the country’s international status and improve people’s lives,” stated Zou Qi Dong, network solution director of Huawei Viet Nam at a conference last week.

The NBN was particularly successful in Australia, where a fibre optic cable network had been developed. Huawei Co suggested three modes of operation in Viet Nam, including Government subsidy, Government as majority shareholder and third-party construction.

Frank Donovan, director of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Viet Nam, said that USAID would further strengthen the capacity of the Viet Nam public utility telecommunications service fund to enhance ICT connections and rural area access to services.

Additionally, Viet Nam also needs to take advantage of its broadband satellite network. The launching of Vinasat 1 and 2 will provide better broadband connections for remote and rural areas.

“Viet Nam considers ICT a key industry and one of the most important driving forces for economic development,” said Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hong.

After 20 years of implementing the ICT strategy, the sector has made remarkable progress with an annual growth rate of over 20 per cent. The total revenue of the ICT sector in 2010 reached US$15 billion, achieving an annual growth rate of 25 per cent.

By the end of February this year, the number of Internet users in Viet Nam reached 28 million people, accounting for 32 per cent of the population. — VNS

Tags: Vietnam IT industry, Vietnam IT sector