Vietnam to focus on developing modern IT system: Deputy PM

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Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (R) and General Secretary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Zhao Houlin

Dam made his statement at a reception for visiting General Secretary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Zhao Houlin in Hanoi. The ITU is the United Nations’ specialised agency for information and communication technologies.

At the meeting, the Deputy PM praised the ITU’s role in the global telecommunication growth, saying its support has become increasingly important to member countries, particularly in terms of forming policy and strategies, building legal frameworks, and boosting residents’ digital capacity.

Vietnam supports Zhao Houlin to run for his re-election as General Secretary of the ITU, he added.  

Vietnam has set the targets of completing the construction of related institutions and infrastructure; developing science and technology; and training human resources to keep up with and capitalise on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Dam said.

He thanked the ITU for its collaboration with Vietnam in technical support programmes, institutional building consultation, and legal framework completion.

The official asked the ITU to continue its assistance for the development of  IT and communications in Vietnam amid the country’s efforts to foster a digital economy, build smart cities, and realise its Industry 4.0 goals.

Dam said he expects the ITU to help facilitate Vietnam’s role in its executive board, and Zhao Houlin himself to back certain Vietnamese personnel's bid for their re-election to the ITU’s Radio Regulations Board for the 2019-2022 tenure.

For his part, Zhao expressed his delight over the fast development of IT, communication, and telecommunication in Vietnam, as well as his impression of the country’s young and competent engineers. 

The ITU General Secretary said he wants to increase the participation of Vietnamese enterprises in ITU activities, such as the annual ITU Telecom World.

ITU Telecom World is a global platform for governments, corporations, and small- and medium-sized enterprises in the field of technology to accelerate IT innovation for economic growth and societal betterment. This year, it will take place in Durban, South Africa, from September 10 to 13.