Asia-Pacific telecommunity discusses ICT development
Xinhua, September 22, 2015 Adjust font size:
The 12th Asia-Pacific Telecommunication and Information and Communication Technology ( ICT) Development Forum kicked off here Tuesday, with the attendance of about 120 participants from over 22 countries and regions.
As the key activities of Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), the three-day forum focused on ICT development issues for developing nations.
"The forum provided an opportunity for Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) members to share information on the best practices and experience for the common issues in ICT development, as well as establish and enhance the present and future collaborative projects for the region, to facilitate investment for establishment of ICT infrastructure, to discuss about sustainable development through improving accessibility and affordability of ICT services, to focus on the telecommunication and ICT development issues of common concern with special attention on the rural areas," said Hoi Chi Leong, the Director of Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation of Macao.
Despite the rapid development of ICT in Asia-Pacific, there are still gaps in ICT accessibility and affordability in developing countries, Secretary General of the APT, Areewan Haorangsi noted, adding that public-private-partnership, government-led initiatives, infrastructure sharing model have been enrolled to facilitate the building of base installation in unprofitable areas.
"It is important that the ICT services should be accessible to everyone at affordable cost on equitable basis," Areewan Haorangsi said.
"The potential of digital economy should be fully exploited to realize the transformation impact of digital technologies on the economy and societal well-being of people," she said, adding that the goal will be fulfilled by making jointly efforts. Endi