ICT sector in need of more integration for development
ICT sector in need of more integration for development
Laos is still not utilising Information Communications Technology (ICT) to further socio-economic development to the extent which it could, according to a Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications report yesterday at a seminar in Vientiane.
The use of ICT infrastructure and applications is very low in various socio-economic sectors in Laos, and its greater adoption could improve the promotion of agriculture and industry, facilitate commercial activities, as well as promote education, health care and other social activities.
Deputy Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Dr Thansamay Kommasith explained at the seminar on ‘IT Utilisation to Strengthen Economic and Social Infrastructure' that in fact ICT has become a significant key economic sector in Laos, therefore it needs to strengthen ICT utilisation in these sectors.
The seminar was jointly organised by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Laos and the Centre of International Cooperation for Computerisation (CICC) of Japan.
The ministry reported at the seminar that Laos has made progress in recent years, highlighted by the fact that telecom penetration in Laos has reached 85 percent, while internet penetration has also dramatically increased, from a low base up to 21 percent.
The telecom and ICT market in Laos has been grown and expanded nationwide. Currently, there are five telecom companies, seven Internet service providers, 499 IT service companies, and 164 Internet cafes.
“Telecom and ICT Infrastructure has developed continually; fiber optic cable has been installed over a distance of around 61,3 73 km; and 3G and 4G coverage extends to up to 90 percent of villages across the country. A special highlight was the launching of the Lao first satellite last month, which will enhance telecoms coverage nationwide and support the international connections,” Dr Thansamay explained.
Executive Director of the CICC of Japan Mr Kunitaka Hashizume said many Asian countries are facing challenges to the development of infrastructure for socio-economic progress but they should be aware of the increased role of ICT in society, in particular in Japan and other developed countries.
“Therefore, the CICC has implemented public awareness on ICT utilisation to strengthen economic and social infrastructure in many Asian countries with the objective to share the experiences and achievements of Japan in regards to this development, including today's seminar in Laos,” he added.
During the seminar, attendees from government offices, computer companies and ICT businesses shared their experiences with Japanese experts in the field and their ideas for future development.
The four Japanese speakers gave talks on trends in cyber security and the efforts of the NEC by Mr Noriaki Harada from NBC Cooperation, while Mr Taishu Ohta from Fujisu Limited spoke on new approaches to cyber security.
Mr Kazuaki lwamura from Hitachi Ltd outlined secured spatial data infrastructures for national economic development and Mr Kazuhiko Hattori from NTT DATA Cooperation spoke on the enhancement of public services and social infrastructure using ICT Technology.
Meanwhile the e-Government Centre of the ministry in Laos also shared its e-Government status, with the address given by Mr Khamphay Inthara.
Director General of the e-Government Centre and the chairman of the seminar, Mr Phonpasit Phissamay said the seminar was a very important and meaningful tool to help the Lao participants appreciate the importance and benefits of ICT utilisation to enhance socio-economic development.
“There is also the opportunity for the Lao and Japanese companies to explore potential ICT projects and business cooperation such as Fujitsu and the Ministry of Public Health, which are implementing the e-Health Project. Hopefully other organisations and companies can also establish cooperation in the near future,” he said.
