This goal was stressed by Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Phan Tam at the Viet Nam ICT Investment Forum 2018, which opened on Thursday in Ha Noi.

The forum highlighted the importance of digital connectivity infrastructure in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It also focused on next-generation mobile technology, internet security and strategies to enhance co-operation between Southeast Asian countries.

Tam said the Fourth Industrial Revolution is causing unprecedented changes, leading to the emergence of new business models and production methods.

“We are witnessing a powerful industrial transition. There will be opportunities to make breakthroughs,” Tam said.

He stressed that, in the context of these global changes, Viet Nam’s Government is determined to develop forward-thinking policies.

The ministry has proposed policy incentives that would boost the digital transition.

The incentives firstly aim to encourage the completion of the 4G network and then quickly move on to 5G to prepare for the Internet of Things.

According to Tran Tuan Anh from Viet Nam Telecommunications Authority, 5G networks are the future of the telecommunications world.

Viet Nam’s advanced mobile networks reach about 96 per cent of the population, providing 51.2 million users with 3G coverage and 13 million with 4G.

Viettel holds a 51.5 per cent share of the broadband market, followed by VNPT with 28.4 per cent, MobiFone with 12.7 per cent and FPT Telecom with 3.8 per cent.

Tam added the second purpose of the policy incentives is to attract new foreign investments in telecommunications and information technology sectors. The hope is to turn Viet Nam into the region’s leading producer of communications and IoT equipment.

“The Government hopes more technology companies will invest in Viet Nam,” Tam said. He added that investment of foreign companies has played a big role in the development of the ICT sector.

The third and final policy goal is to build out a well-trained workforce, equipped with relevant modern skills, to ensure nobody is left behind by industrial changes.

The Government has made an effort to improve policies to get ready for anticipated industrial changes, Tam said. It has also continued to integrate with the rest of the world, opening up space for business deals with foreign companies.

Indian Vice Minister of Communications Ravi Kant also spoke at the forum. He said India wants to strengthen co-operation with ASEAN member countries, including Viet Nam, to expand its IT exports.

India is interested in digital innovation and developing sustainable infrastructure.

As part of the two-day forum, the India-ASEAN ICT Expo has attracted nearly 40 IT firms to display their most innovative products. Some highlighted fields include smart cities, transportation management and banking. — VNS