The Vietnam Internet Forum 2019 (VIF19) opened in Hanoi on March 20, discussing ways digital technology can help build a creative, open and sustainable society.

Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogberg addresses the Vietnam Internet Forum 2019 on March 20

Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogberg affirmed the importance of the internet and digital technology in improving people’s life and building a country’s competitiveness brand.

He said 94 percent of Swedish people have used the internet with the world’s fastest connection speed. The widespread use of technology and the internet has helped the country promote information access, innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby creating inventions, growth and prosperity for it like at present.

Vietnam can obtain the same achievements as Sweden’s as it has such fast internet development, especially the popularity of social networks. The country has a big advantage, that is its Government always supports free trade and integration into the globalised world, he added.

Vu The Binh, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Internet Association, said the country has recorded considerable developments in technical infrastructure serving a market of about 95 million people and a rate of internet users of over 60 percent. However, it is also facing challenges in identifying and harmonising some social and legal problems arising from new internet-based technological applications.

Caitlin Wiesen, Acting Resident Representative of the UNDP, said young tech businesses play an important role in solving challenges facing society. Young people who aspire to make innovations are those applying new technologies and the internet to build society.

Connecting innovative youth is key to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, she noted.

The VIF19, the second of its kind following the first in 2017, will last through March 21. The event, held by the Swedish Embassy and the Hanoi People’s Committee, is also an activity marking the 50th founding anniversary of the Vietnam-Sweden diplomatic ties.-VNA