Deputy Minister Phan Tam shared these insights during a meeting with the US Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), led by President and CEO Jason Oxman. The ITI Council represents 80 global technology companies, promoting competition, innovation, and addressing public policy and technology standards.

Mr. Phan Tam noted that since upgrading to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, trade and investment exchanges between Vietnam and the US have intensified. He reiterated Vietnam's commitment to fostering equitable and mutually beneficial cooperation with global technology leaders like the US in the IT sector.

The Deputy Minister expressed hope that the ITI Council would act as a bridge between member technology companies and the Vietnamese IT industry. He provided insights into Vietnamese government policies and mechanisms related to telecommunications and IT equipment investment, import, and export; 6G standardization research and development; certification and testing labs; and frequency planning for the upcoming 6G network.

In 2019, the Prime Minister initiated the National Digital Transformation Program, overseen by the Ministry of Information and Communications. The current focus is on developing national digital infrastructure by transitioning IT telecommunications infrastructure into digital infrastructure, prioritizing the establishment of a 5G network and leveraging cloud computing infrastructure.

Deputy Minister Phan Tam emphasized Vietnam’s open investment policy in cloud infrastructure, inviting foreign enterprises to explore this promising market. He encouraged ITI member companies to partner with Vietnamese entities to build data centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, which are set to become regional financial hubs.

Jason Oxman, on behalf of the ITI Council, expressed gratitude for the Ministry's openness and opportunity to discuss future IT sector investments in Vietnam. He recognized the critical role of the Ministry in creating legal frameworks that attract and promote IT investment. Oxman highlighted the growing interest of ITI member companies in the Southeast Asian market, particularly Vietnam, amid shifting supply chains.

The ITI Council expressed interest in collaborating on testing and certification, electronic device labeling, and spectrum policy, particularly frequency allocation. Oxman suggested that aligning Vietnam’s 5G/6G standards with global benchmarks could position Vietnam as a hub for equipment manufacturers.

Deputy Minister Phan Tam thanked the ITI Council for its cooperation and invited its members to Vietnam International Digital Week 2024. He also suggested collaborating on best practices for 6G frequency planning.

"The Ministry of Information and Communications will fully support ITI Council members in their business endeavors in Vietnam. Together, we can enhance the IT&T sector in Vietnam and the growth of ITI member enterprises," affirmed Deputy Minister Phan Tam.

PV