Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc visits the booth displaying military-run Viettel's 5G products in Hà Nội on Saturday, on the sidelines of a meeting to review the work of the Ministry of Information and Communications. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc hailed comprehensive progress in the information and communications sector this year during its conference in Hà Nội on Saturday.

Reviewing the past achievements, PM Phúc said according to the 2019 Integrated Index for Postal Development announced by the Universal Postal Union, Việt Nam ranked 45th out of 172 countries, up five places.

In telecommunications, the country leapt to 50th place this year from 100th in 2017 in the Global Cybersecurity Index announced by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Việt Nam also had the second lowest amount of mobile malware detected in Southeast Asia, only behind technologically-advanced Singapore.

The sector’s total revenue in 2019 is estimated at US$135 billion, translating to impressive growth of 8.8 per cent year-on-year, and it is expected to contribute over $43 billion to the State budget, up 23.4 per cent from 2018.

Of which, the ICT industry is projected to expand 9.8 per cent in revenue to $110 billion, creating jobs for over 1 million workers, while the telecommunication industry is forecast to grow 19 per cent.

He lauded the pilot launch of 5G services, production of 5G equipment, press planning, and better management of information posted on foreign social media.

The PM asked officials and cadres of the sector to continue following the Politburo’s Resolution No.22 on information and communications, facilitating enterprises’ involvement in national digital transformation.

Next year, all ministries, agencies and localities must be connected to share data and a cyber-security monitoring centre must be set up.

The Ministry of Public Security must promptly complete a population archive, considering it a foundation for e-government, he said.

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) was also assigned to thoroughly prepare for the world digital exhibition in Việt Nam, thus improving the country’s image and prestige. In particular, the PM requested adopting more technological advances in meetings during 2020, when Việt Nam assumes ASEAN Chair.

As 5G development holds national strategic significance, the PM asked the MIC to provide all possible support for enterprises to develop 5G equipment, and issues incentives to attract more foreign hi-tech giants to Việt Nam, aiming towards popularisation of the technology for the entire country.

The leader directed seriously and actively conducting press planning and called on foreign social media to abide by Việt Nam’s laws.

Stressing the ministry’s role in developing the country’s digital economy as a way to catch up with developed nations, the Government leader suggested a name change for the ministry along the lines of the “Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.”

On the occasion, the PM attended a ceremony to launch a training course for 100 e-government experts, who will later work for ministries, agencies and localities. — VNS