Vietnam is all set to host the ITU Digital World 2020 which is expected to attract hundreds of technology businesses from across the globe.
The Ministry of Information and Communications recently held a press conference to share updates around the organising of the event. The ITU Digital World 2020, a global tech event for governments, corporates, and tech SMEs, will be held virtually from 20-22 October on a technology platform developed by MIC and military-run telecom giant Viettel.
According to a press release, the event will be hosted online and will feature numerous events such as the ministers’ roundtables with ITU member countries, forum sessions, virtual exhibitions with the participation of international giants from the United States, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, and others.
At the press conference, Pham Tam, the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications noted that this is the first time that the ITU has collaborated with a country to host such an event. ITU Digital World 2020 is wide open to all businesses, creating an opportunity for business exchanges between Vietnamese and international businesses.
The platform integrates many options so that participants can join in the plenary session, thematic sessions, or visit the pavilions. Businesses can choose to design their booths in 2D or 3D forms at a symbolic fee. The organisers will not restrict the number of participants, and this online platform is expected to accommodate 100,000-200,000 visitors.
It is also an opportunity for Vietnamese firms to promote their image, thus enabling them to expand their market share globally. Specifically, the virtual exhibition will include virtual booths, introducing digital products and services, and solutions of overseas businesses.
Meanwhile, the ministerial roundtables will include discussions about digital strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the post-COVID-19 landscape, as well as orientations in boosting cooperation among ITU member countries in the implementation of digital transformation programs. This will also provide opportunities for the ministers and leaders of businesses to enter dialogues on the policies and the strategies to maintain the role of ICT in the prevention and fight against the pandemic and to serve economic recovery.
The forum will be divided into three sessions in three days, focusing on three key topics, namely connectivity, digital transformation, and sustainable development. For Vietnam, the co-hosting of the ITU Digital World 2020 is of great significance, contributing to enhancing the country’s international position and affirming itself as one of the rapidly developing and dynamic countries in ICT and an active and responsible ITU member.
Additionally, the event will enable domestic ICT firms to foster partnerships with leading technology companies from around the world, while contributing to advertising the image of a dynamic and developing Vietnam that is active and proactive in international integration.
Vietnam expects the number of digital businesses to increase to 70,000 by 2025 and 100,000 by 2030. According to a draft national strategy on digital businesses, the workforce of digital businesses is expected to increase to 1.2 million over the next five years and 1.5 million by 2030. These businesses’ annual export value would grow by 10-20% in the 2020-2025 period and 20-30% beyond 2025. By 2030, digital businesses are expected to account for 10% and 20% of GDP by 2025 and 2030, respectively.
