The HCM City Computer Association signed on Thursday co-operation agreements with the municipal Department of Information and Communication to boost development of the city's information technology sector.

HCA also signed co-operation agreements with BNI Viet Nam, Saigon Hi-Tech Park Incubation Centre, HCM City Young Business People Association, Saigon-Asean Businessmen Club and others at a meeting of the city's IT industry.

Speaking at the event, Le Thai Hy, the department's director, said the department wanted to stand side by side with the association to deploy the city's IT breakthrough programmes, including strengthening IT application and services at State-owned companies.

According to HCA, the agreements will enable IT firms to participate in quality management programmes, human resource training, and investment promotion programmes both in and outside Viet Nam.

In addition, the department, HCA and firms will join hands to organise an electronics and communication technology fair, and seminars in the field to help firms share information and seek business partners.

Demand for human resources in the IT industry in HCM City is expected to increase by 15-20 per cent this year, according to Vu Anh Tuan, HCA's general secretary.

HCM City has the highest number of IT firms in the country.

The city's software-outsourcing sector alone needs at least 3,000 employees.

Others sectors involved in the IT industry need 1,500-2,000 employees.

Tuan said HCA this year would strengthen activities to help firms develop qualified human resources.

VNS