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ICT in Laos to facilitate China’s Belt and Road plan: official
Development of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector in Laos falls in line with China’s Belt and Road initiative as this technology will be key for connectivity between China and countries in Southeast Asia.
Deputy Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Mr Thongsay Xanxaya, made the comment when talking about Laos’ ICT sector at the Laos-China Belt and Road Cooperation Forum held in Vientiane last week.
Mr Thongsay said the government’s vision towards 2030 on the industrialisation and modernisation of postal and telecommunication services would be key in driving and sustaining socio-economic development and enabling Laos to be a hub for a wide range of people.
“China’s One Belt, One Road initiative matches the direction and plan for ICT development in Laos, which will transform the country from being landlocked to a land link,” Mr Thongsay said.
The ministry’s development plan for 2016 to 2025 focuses on ICT facility infrastructure and preparations for Laos to become a connecting hub with the People’s Republic of China, and between China and Asean.
The country’s National Data Centre was highlighted by the deputy minister for the role it could play in linking China and Asean nations under the Master Plan on Asean Connectivity 2025.
It is envisaged that Laos will become a hub within the region through the use of telecommunication and internet facilities and a high-speed transmission network connecting China with Asean countries under The Belt and Road – Digital Economy International Cooperation Initiative.
This would overcome Laos’ current disadvantage of being geographically landlocked.
The building of a high-speed connection linking the north to the south of Laos, connecting China to Laos’ other neighbours, and connecting all national data centres would meet the need for high-speed communication between all urban and rural areas at a lower cost.
Laos and China have entered into several agreements on ICT cooperation.
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and China’s National Development and Reform Commission signed an MOU on Strengthening the Development of Digital Silk Road for Information Connectivity during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Laos in December.
A delegation from the ministry attended the World Internet Conference in Wu Zhen, China, last year, where a deputy minister signed The Belt and Road – Digital Economy International Cooperation Initiative.
In addition, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and China’s Cyberspace Administration signed an MOU in 2015 on internet cooperation and development.
Source: http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeConten_ICT.php