PM holds dialogue with IT groups on fringe of WEF meeting

Davos (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had an open and candid dialogue with chief executive officers of global leading IT groups on the margin of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on January 19.

He said information-technology is booming in Vietnam, especially in the fields of industry, agriculture, transport, healthcare and education.

Vietnam has been one of the highest growth information-technology and telecom markets in the world over the past decade, he said.

Nearly 60 percent of the country’s population aged below 35 years is able to make quick access to new technologies, while over half of the population is using the internet, he noted.

Last year, Vietnam exported over 55 billion USD worth of mobile phones, computers, cameras, and accessories. The country was also listed among top 10 software outsourcing providers in Asia Pacific and top 30 in the global.

By 2020, Vietnam strives to enter the top 10 suppliers of software outsourcing and digital content in the world with around one million workers in the field of information and technology, the PM said.

Vietnam is due to host the APEC Summit in 2017 following the theme “Creating new driving force for a common future”, he said, noting that promoting information-technology innovations will be one of the most important forces to enhance competitiveness in the digital era.

PM Phuc also eased a number of concerns raised by global groups’ leaders.

Regarding the question of Jim Baber, President the UPS International, the PM said Vietnam has policy to open its sky and is ready to address procedures for aviation businesses.

Whether the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement is approved or not, Vietnam is still having tens of free trade agreements, including FTA with the European Union, and relevant pacts, he said.

Vietnam has continuously pursued its policy of trade liberalisation and customs reform, particularly the application of e-customs, he said, adding that the Southeast Asian country is one of the few nations in Asia to grant e-visa to foreign tourists.

The PM welcomed the proposal of Joe Kaeser, President and CEO of Siemens AG, on coordinating with Vietnamese agencies and organisations to build a training programme for Vietnamese students at the 200-year-old company./.