Vietnam - ICT Development

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The Information and Communication Technology Development Project supports two key pillars of the Bank's Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for FY03-FY06, which is based on the Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy: 1) High growth through transition to a market economy - by developing policies for the information communication technology (ICT) sector; and, 2) Adoption of a modern public administration, legal, and governance system - by enhancing the efficiency and transparency of government operations, through the implementation of government portals, online applications such as business and land registration, e-procurement (online registration and notification/publication of tender awards), improvement of online statistics collection and dissemination, and in general, expanding the Web presence o f government services, will improve government decision-making processes, lower transaction costs, improve the quality o f documentation and standardization, and limit discretionary actions and the scope for corruption. The project comprises five subprojects: 1) ICT Leadership and Modernization will strengthen the capacity of Ministry of Posts and Telematics (MPT) in the development, implementation, and oversight of the government's national ICT strategy and policies; strengthen its capacity to formulate telecommunications and ICT policy; and, improve its operating efficiency and effectiveness. 2) General Statistical Office (GSO) Modernization will support the implementation of the strategic plan for the modernization and capacity-building of GSO. This entails improving the quality, transparency, and timeliness of socioeconomic and poverty-related data and information. 3, 4 and 5): E-Government in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Activities under these components will support the enhance of the ICT environment in those cities, provide the basic foundation for deployment of e-government in their district offices and departments, and, facilitate development of various types of e-government services, e-applications for businesses, and development o f ICT skills. Although each of the five subprojects will be implemented on a decentralized basis, an overall project coordination component (6) is required through a Project Coordination Unit (PCU) established within the MPT.