Russia is willing to assist Việt Nam in developing its e-government via free-of-charge consultancy, technology transfers and the training of experts. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Russia is willing to assist Việt Nam in developing its e-government via free-of-charge consultancy, technology transfers and the training of experts, said a Russian official.

Mikhail Mamonov, Russian Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, made the statement at a working session with Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tiến Dũng in Hà Nội on Wednesday.

Dũng commended the outcomes of working sessions between the Russian delegation and Vietnamese agencies during their visit to Việt Nam from February 18 to 20. 

The delegation had previously held meetings with the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Hà Nội People’s Committee and leading Vietnamese IT groups.

Divided into three working groups to meet with Vietnamese partners in fields of shared concern, they studied Việt Nam’s proposals related to a public service portal, an e-verification system, a cyber security centre and building smart cities.

Dũng said Việt Nam still lacked institutions and regulations related to the building of an e-government and was facing difficulties in linking the data of different ministries, sectors and localities.

The country was pushing for data security as well as connections and data sharing among public agencies towards building a digital government and economy, he said.

The minister asked Russia to help build a public service portal, information systems, an interaction channel between the Government, people and businesses, a centre for government operation and a centre for cyber security within the Government Office. Russian assistance was also requested in Hà Nội’s smart city development.

Saying the Vietnamese Government prioritises mobilising investments from businesses in the field and leasing IT infrastructure, Dũng suggested Vietnamese and Russian firms work on transferring technology and asked the Russian side to evaluate made-in-Việt Nam products.

He requested Russia supply Việt Nam with information on a legal framework for building the e-government and help the country train experts in the field.

Mamonov put forth a number of projects that Russia can begin immediately. They included giving Việt Nam drafts of legal documents on ensuring information security in cyberspace and building a centre for information safety in Việt Nam with the engagement of Russian businesses and training establishments.

Russia also can help Việt Nam form Russian-model public service centres in different units under the Vietnam Post, build a public service portal of the Vietnamese Government and design smartphone software to help people send their feedback to authorities. — VNS