Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogberg addresses the Vietnam Internet Forum 2019 on March 20 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Internet Forum 2019(VIF19) opened in Hanoi on March 20, discussing ways digital technology canhelp build a creative, open and sustainable society.
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogbergaffirmed the importance of the internet and digital technology in improvingpeople’s life and building a country’s competitiveness brand.
He said 94 percent of Swedish people have usedthe internet with the world’s fastest connection speed. The widespread use oftechnology and the internet has helped the country promote information access,innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby creating inventions, growth andprosperity for it like at present.
Vietnam can obtain the same achievements asSweden’s as it has such fast internet development, especially the popularity ofsocial networks. The country has a big advantage, that is its Government alwayssupports free trade and integration into the globalised world, he added.
Vu The Binh, Secretary-General of the VietnamInternet Association, said the country has recorded considerable developmentsin technical infrastructure serving a market of about 95 million people and arate of internet users of over 60 percent. However, it is also facingchallenges in identifying and harmonising some social and legal problemsarising from new internet-based technological applications.
Caitlin Wiesen, Acting Resident Representativeof the UNDP, said young tech businesses play an important role in solvingchallenges facing society. Young people who aspire to make innovations arethose applying new technologies and the internet to build society.
Connecting innovative youth is key to attainingthe Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, she noted.
The VIF19, the second of its kind following thefirst in 2017, will last through March 21. The event, held by the SwedishEmbassy and the Hanoi People’s Committee, is also an activity marking the 50thfounding anniversary of the Vietnam-Sweden diplomatic ties.-VNA
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