ITU Digital World 2020 virtually opens in Vietnam

October 21, 2020 | 09:43

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ITU Digital World 2020, the most important annual event of Telecommunication and Information Technology industries, has officially opened virtually in Vietnam on October 20, attracting hundreds of technology businesses from across the globe.

The host pressed the button to open the ITU Digital World 2020

Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said that for the last few years, digitalisation has become an irreversible trend that provides every country, economy, organisation, and individual with unprecedented development opportunities, as well as corresponding challenges that lead to changes in habits and personal life.

“I believe that the roundtables will significantly contribute to global victory over the pandemic, and technological knowledge, particularly IT, will be utilised to create a better world,” he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam made a speech at the event

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that, “Digital transformation should be promoted more strongly to serve people and ensure that no one is left behind. The government of Vietnam has promulgated a National Digital Transformation Programme specifying detailed goals, solutions, and schemes.”

He reminded that Vietnam has a population of nearly 100 million people, enjoying an open and dynamic economy with one of the highest growth rates over the past 30 years. In 2020, it is forecast that Vietnam’s economy is expected to grow over 2 per cent.

The Vietnamese government considers the development of telecommunications and IT infrastructure as one of the top priorities, and digital transformation as a significant solution to make development faster and more sustainable.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung said that 2020 is a special year for the global ICT industry because the challenges from COVID-19 elevated the industry's role and has been creating opportunities for companies to leapfrog in their development.

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung speaking at the event

"Vietnamse-made digital infrastructure with digital products and digital platforms are ready to support the development of the digital economy and a digital society,” Hung noted.

This year, the three-day event has a new name to refocus on digital technology and digital transformation. Due to COVID-19, this is the first time the 50-year-old event is held virtually.

The forum is divided into three sessions to be held over three days, focusing on the three key topics of connectivity, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

As part of the ITU Digital World 2020, the virtual exhibition offers virtual booths, introducing digital products and services, and solutions for overseas businesses.

Meanwhile, the Ministerial Roundtables include discussions about digital strategies during COVID-19 and in the post-COVID-19 landscape, as well as orientations in boosting cooperation among ITU member countries in the implementation of digital transformation programmes.

ITU Digital World 2020 provides opportunities for the ministers and leaders of businesses to enter dialogues on the policies and the strategies to maintain the role of ICT in the prevention and fight against the pandemic and to serve economic recovery.