Ha Noi and HCM City ranks 23rd and 16th in terms of software outsourcing, respectively, on the latest White Book on Viet Nam's Information and Communications Technology. Photo ictnews.vn

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The latest White Book on Viet Nam's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) outlook shows that it has become brighter on the global ICT map, despite the domestic economic downturn.

The book shows that in relation to offshore services, Viet Nam remains among the top 30 leading countries in the world and in the top 10 in Asia-Pacific.

According to a report by A.T. Kearney business consultants, Viet Nam ranked eighth for offshore services, jumping two places compared to 2009.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) also reported the country's ICT Development Index had risen five places from 86th to 81th, ranking 4th in Southeast Asia and 12th among 27 countries in the Asia Pacific region.

This year, the Tholons Inc Consultancy continues to place HCM City and Ha Noi among the top 100 outsourcing destinations in the world.

HCM City was ranked 16th while Ha Noi was ranked 23rd in terms of software outsourcing.

The software industry failed to maintain the sharp rise enjoyed in previous years due to the economic downturn, but industry revenue reached over US$1.2 billion, a 3.1 per cent increase compared to 2011.

To Thi Thu Huong, deputy head of the Information Technology Department under the Ministry of Information and Communications, explained the modest growth in the software industry was attributed to declines on the global market which were caused by the economic crisis.

However, she said the Government aimed to promote the industry's development. This year, software products continued to enjoy investment incentives and preferential corporate income tax rates. — VNS