Deputy PM advises on ICT development

Deputy Prime Minister Somdy Duangdy yesterday advised the post and telecommunications sector to continue developing and expanding the nation's information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure.
He especially recommended the use of new technology to forge closer links with the region and countries further afield.

Mr Somdy, who is also Minister of Finance, made the call on Tuesday on the closing day of a meeting to summarise the work of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications over the past year. The meeting also revealed plans for the coming year, with a focus on the expansion of ICT infrastructure.
Mr Somdy drew attention to the slogan ‘Promoting and transforming the state’s digital management’ which he said reflected the responsibility of all sectors for the development of ICT.
ICT was essential for all ministries and other sectors of government, he said. In cooperation with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, it was their duty to protect information and to prevent the theft or destruction of information as well as the spread of dangerous information in the interests of national security.
He called on the ministry to improve infrastructure and introduce higher speeds of online communication and safety, as well as use new technologies such as Bigdata, Block Chain and 5G networks.
Mr Somdy also advised the ministry to make sure there were sufficient numbers of qualified ICT personnel for the purposes of development as well as to ensure the security of social media platforms.
The ministry was recommended to urge operators in the post, telecommunications and internet sectors to upgrade and expand their networks and services and to expand their operations overseas.
Minister of Post and Telecommunications Dr Thansamay Kommasith also gave a presentation on the achievements of the ministry. In terms of ICT development, the telephone network now reaches the whole country, with 80 percent served by 3G and 4G networks in 2018.
The ministry has also been successful in improving the Information Technology Institute so that it produces qualified technical staff to meet the ministry’s needs.
The ministry has also built a software development and training centre at the Institute in cooperation with the Indian government.
The centre aims to produce technicians who are capable of developing practical software solutions that can contribute to socio-economic development.
The ministry has also sent 566 officials for training at international organisations in Laos and abroad.
It is continuing to resolve legal issues and finalise the Law on Electronic Signature and draft the Law on Electronic Government.
This year, the ministry is targeting the development of state management through the use of electronic systems and is continuing to improve the standards of post and telecoms officials.
The ministry is also encouraging technological innovation through research and development in the postal sector, aiming to introduce electronic and modern systems that provide quick and efficient services.
The ministry is committed to the continuing modernisation of the post and telecoms sector through high-speed digital systems that are secure and provide closer links with the region and other countries.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update April 3, 2019)