HCM City and US technology giant Microsoft need to boost collaboration in information technology (IT) application and development to improve life quality for citizens in the southern hub.

Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan made the statement while receiving Vice President for Public Sector, Asia at Microsoft Stefan Sjostrom in HCM City on Friday.

The city’s top leader lauded Microsoft’s positive participation in developing technology and high-quality human resources in Viet Nam and HCM City in particular over the past two decades.

He said that the city was always interested in promoting cooperation with enterprises, including Microsoft, for mutual development.

He pinned his hope that in the coming time, Microsoft will join hands with the city to enhance research and development activities and conduct IT application to protect traditional cultural values during the urban development process.

Impressed by the city’s vibrant development as well as steady foundation of IT human resources and infrastructure, Stefan Sjostrom said that Microsoft wants closer and more effective cooperation with HCM City in the field.

In the coming time, Microsoft will work with the city’s relevant agencies to devise a cooperation strategy by 2020, he affirmed, adding that the implementation of the strategy will help promote information technology transfer in all localities natiowide. — VNS