A workshop discussing the role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) in developing electronic government (e-government) in Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) took place in Hanoi on June 4.

At the event, which was organised by Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communication, participants shared experiences in developing e-government and training CIO staff in the two countries’ state agencies.

CIOs play a key role in defining a strategic vision and improving information technology (IT) application policies in order to develop e-governments.

They are also responsible for developing and expanding information systems and databases in agencies, sectors and localities, while instructing the making of policies and regulations on information safety.

Speaking at the workshop, Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Nguyen Minh Hong said Vietnam has seen positive achievements in applying IT in state agencies and developing its e-government.

The movement contributes to enhancing the transparency of state agency activities, as well as saving time and money for the agencies, organisations, enterprises and people, Hong stressed.

Vietnam and the RoK have cooperated intensively in the field of IT and communication, especially in building policies and laws on IT, e- government and telecommunications. In Vietnam, IT application helps to ensure the country’s sustainable growth and development.

In the 2013-2015 period Vietnam aims to develop its e-government through IT application in state agencies and provide level 3 online public services, towards a Connected Government by 2020.-VNA