Socialist Republic of Vietnam

HA NOI — The Ministry of Post and Telematics (MPT) yesterday concluded a comprehensive non-commercial agreement with IT major Intel to improve access and viability of technology in Viet Nam’s ministries, organisations, businesses, public sector, healthcare and education.

This was announced jointly by the Minister of Post and Telematics Do Trung Ta and Intel’s new president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Otellini in the capital.

The agreement will help the Government implement the Information, Communications and Technology Master Plan for 2005-10 aimed at accelerating adoption and development of technology, the minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, Otellini said the company would wholeheartedly support Viet Nam’s efforts to become a digitally advanced nation in the region.

"Viet Nam is an awakening dragon," Otellini said, adding that the country’s economic success would largely depend on making PCs and broadband connectivity affordable, by implementing IT in governance and healthcare, and by creating an IT-literate workforce to develop local industry.

Intel will help Viet Nam set up a series of "digital provinces" - a combination of broadband communication infrastructure and flexible, service-oriented computing infrastructure.

Viet Nam will be a part of a "Digital ASEAN", comprising South East Asian nations who use technology to improve national productivity and the quality of life of citizens, Otellini said.

Under the agreement, Intel will assist Viet Nam build a strong local IT industry, particularly in the areas of computing, communications, software outsourcing and development. It will assist local PC manufacturers to build quality Vietnamese-branded computers for local consumption.

With assistance from Intel, MPT will develop Government-assisted credit programmes to help improve access to PCs, accelerate the adoption of technology and improve computer literacy in Viet Nam.

MPT and Intel will also consider implementing WiMAX broadband wireless technology, a further development of Wi-Fi, as an option for bringing connectivity to rural areas where fixed infrastructure was not available.

In addition to infrastructure development projects, MPT and Intel will collaborate on other initiatives to help improve public services.

On Tuesday, Otellini spoke to thousands of university and college students in Ha Noi participating in the "Digital Summer with Thanh Giong PC" programme for deploying technology and teaching computer skills to people in rural areas during school holidays.

Viet Nam News, June 16, 2005