Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and World Bank with the cooperating to organize a workshop on “The Digital Opportunities to increase competitiveness in the future” on 28 November 2019 at the Don Chan Palace, Vientiane. The workshop was held by three co-chaired: Ph.D. Mr. Kikeo Chanhthabouri, Vice Minister of Ministry of Planning, Mr. Thongxay Sanxayya, Vice Minister of Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and Mrs. Viengsamay Srithirath, Acting Country Director, the World Bank of Lao PDR. The workshop was attended by approximately 100 participants from different sectors such as the government, private sectors, and international experts. The event aims to discuss the digital economy, the digital potential for economic growth, and create more benefits to large residents around the nation.
The conference discussed ways to accelerate digital transformation in the Lao PDR in using the potential of digital connectivity. “Digital technology is a key factor in socio-economic development, creating new opportunities for many countries around the world and the Lao PDR. There are challenges that we cannot utilize digital technologies for the maximum benefit in terms of access to quality and affordable prices of Internet services. We need to take steps to improve, create an enabling environment and regulations so that people everywhere will benefit from the use of this technology, both public and private, ”said, Ph.D. Mr. Kikeo Chanhthabouri, Vice Minister of Ministry of Planning.
Mr. Thongxay Sanxayya, Vice Minister of Ministry of Post and Telecommunications stated that in the process of digital transformation in all sectors, such as 5G communication technology and connectivity with computer systems, is being used by application providers, small-large organizations of government and private sectors. Due to the fact that the system is less cost, simple to organize and to the innovative data such as Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition, Mr. Sanxayya emphasized that digital technology can create more opportunities to enhance the capacity of the competitiveness of all sectors which can drive Laos to be able to reach larger markets, promote domestic and international investments, especially, doing business and startup businesses of domestic entrepreneurs together with consumers protection.
The conference participants discussed some of the major digital challenges in the country, including the low internet speed and un-steady high internet speed, and the issue of the ability to pay for services. There were plenty of significant topics that need to be improved the Internet in terms of delivery and service the payment in better quality and creating a trust for consumers. Additionally, the conference aims to consult more in improving the relevant and important regulations of digital payments, electronic signatures, and information security and consumer protection to build confidence in online transactions.
“Lao has approximate 90 percent to access the Internet through mobile phones, therefore, the Lao Government and private sectors can have an opportunity to improve the way digital services are used to increase the efficiency of public and private services. We will support the Government of Lao PDR to make better use of digital technology to accelerate economic growth and competitiveness. More importantly, the aim to improve the quality of life and create more benefits for Lao people.” said Mrs. Viengsamay Srithirath, Acting Country Director, the World Bank of Lao PDR.
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