Jun 27, 2012

Laos - Experts mull Asean ICT master plan

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IT specialists from the government and private sectors working in the area of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) met in Vientiane on Friday to discuss the Asean ICT Master Plan.



The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Post a nd Telecommunications. Opening the discussion, Deputy Minister Thansamay Kommasith said “As you may know, Asean nations are continuing to work on integration to become a single economic community by 2015. ICT is one of many sectors within Asean, especially in Laos, to have already e mbarked on the practical appro aches of the master plan.”

During the meeting, the organisers discussed the master plan in depth. Talks centred on the six strategic concepts of economic transformation, public encouragement and engagement, innovation, infrastructure development and bridging the digital divide. While participants raised many questions about the master plan, some achievements have already been made by departments in each ministry.

“Our ministry organised this meeting so that all participants can contribute to the development of ICT in Laos in line with the policies and strategies of the Asean ICT plan. It also informs the government and private sectors about the importance of this master plan as well as providing a forum for the exchange of ideas for future implementation,” Mr Thansamay said. ICT has been acknowledged as a key catalyst in economic and social reform. It is therefore necessary to develop this master plan so that Asean nations can harness the power of ICT in establishing the Asean Economic Community.

The ministry also announced an Asean ICT Award, for which a competition is now open to Lao hardware and software developers. Those who work in both government and private sectors, especially those who have outstanding development projects, can compete for the award.

“I hope people from all sectors will learn more about the master plan and the award. Both will contribute to the development of ICT in Laos, making sure we are ready for integration in 2015,” Mr Thansamay said.

“I would like to urge all sectors related to ICT to understand and contribute to this master plan. Helping Laos to accomplish this goal lets ICT become a tool to push for growth within the Asean economy, transforming Asean into one of the world’s trading centres. This will bring better living conditions to its people,” he added.

The master plan was approved during the Asean Telecommunication and IT Ministers meeting in Malaysia in January 2011.

The master plan for 2015 charts the development of ICT within the region and harnesses the potential of ICT integration by establishing an inclusive, vibrant and integrated Asean Community.

Source: Vientiane Times
By Phoonsab Thevongsa
(Updated June 25, 2012)


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