VN transforming itself into an IT power, says PM Dũng at WITFOR 2009

PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng conveyed the message to 1,500 delegates of the World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR 2009) opened this morning in Hà Nội.

The opening session drew many ministers in charge of IT and such IT-dominant industries as aviation and finance; leaders of international organizations, associations, enterprises, academies, and universities from over 70 countries and territories.

IT as a key economic industry in Việt Nam

In his opening speech, the Vietnamese PM stressed that IT, particularly Internet, has brought different parts of the world closer, improved people’s knowledge, and cemented friendship and cooperation among nations worldwide.

On the other hand, IT produces opportunities to promote economic development, enhance competitiveness and narrow development gaps.

For Việt Nam, IT is set to be a key economic industry and the most important tool to realize the Millennium Development Goals and construct an information society so as to curtail national modernization and industrialization process.

In 2008, Việt Nam’s IT turnover reached US $10 billion, Internet use rate stood at 25% and phone subscription dramatically increased. These advancements have largely contributed to efforts to maintain growth rate, heighten the efficiency of the national economy, and push Việt Nam more integrated into the international community, the PM said.

He continued that the country is drafting a strategy to become an IT power, focusing on the improvement of legal system, modernizing information infrastructure, developing IT industry and applying IT advances in all socio-economic sectors.

The host leader said that he warmly welcomed international community’s assistance and cooperation to help Việt Nam attain the above targets,.

IT for sustainable development

With the general theme “ICT for sustainable development,” the WITFOR 2009 is a good chance for IT managers to comprehensively review policies, experience, cooperation opportunities, and IT applications in addressing challenges against sustainable development.

Some major issues put on the table include agricultural and rural development, communication infrastructure, education, healthcare, gender equality, environment, e-Government, effective energies and natural resources use, climate change, epidemic diseases, poverty and global economic crisis.

The Vietnamese Government chief hoped that the delegates will propose initiatives, cooperation programs, and solutions for developing countries; share experience and new technology trends for IT and socio-economic development in each and every country.

WITFOR 2009 is scheduled to take place on August 26-28 with seven plenary sessions and 32 parallel sessions of eight commissions dealing with seven major themes: ICT for sustainable development; Best practice country experience with ICT policies; Free open source software; Gender issues; ICT4D policies; Industry contribution; and Public-private partnership.

Other sideline events include the ICT Industry Dialogue chaired by Deputy PM Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, PCs for Life Program, and ICT Networking.

By Hải Minh