A new Government scheme targets growth in the information and
communications technology industry at two-to-three times the growth in
gross domestic production (GDP) through 2020.
The
sector would contribute about 8-10 percent of annual GDP under the plan
signed by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. In 2009, it accounted for
about 7 percent of GDP.
The industry managed to
record a growth rate of more than 20 percent in 2009 despite the global
economic downturn, earning a total of 6.26 billion USD. The hardware
sector saw annual growth of 10 percent, while the software sector has
notched up growth of 50 percent.
Key issues for
developing the IT industry include training and human resources,
infrastructure, business competitiveness and market expansion, according
to the scheme.
There were about 295,000 workers in
the IT industry nationwide as of last year. The scheme sets a target
that 30 percent of university graduates in IT would be professionally
qualified under international standards by 2015, with the figure to rise
to 80 percent by 2020.
Vietnam also aims to
enter the top 10 of nations in software engineering and digital-related
services. Under the plan, the national trademark of Vietnam IT and
Communications would be heavily promoted by highly-competitive IT
enterprises.
Another newly-approved programme on IT
for state agencies during 2011-15 period, reconfirms IT and e-Government
development as a priority of the Party and State, and targets for the
programme include improved IT infrastructure, as well as increased
online services for businesses and the public.
All
passport applications would be processed online by 2015, as well as
tender announcements, bid invitations, and bid results for State-funded
projects, ensuring enhanced transparency and better services, according
to the Ministry of Information and Communications.
The programme also aims to enhance co-operation among State agencies,
civil organisations and individuals, the ministry said. Four major
financial sectors – the treasury, tax offices, customs and banks – are
also targeted to link their online services.
The
programme projects that half of all tax filings will be submitted online
and 90 percent of provincial customs processing will be electronic by
2015./.
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