The driving force from telecommunications and information technology.

(Baonghean) - The cooperation between Nghe An province and the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) over the years has yielded many positive results in the field of telecommunications and information technology (IT). This forms the basis for elevating the strategic cooperation relationship to a new level, contributing to the goal of building Nghe An into a prosperous province and a regional center in the North Central region.

Civil servants at the one-stop service center of the Department of Industry and Trade work using public administration software. Photo: Thu Giang

Collaboration builds a solid IT foundation.

On September 13, 2014, the People's Committee of Nghe An province and the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) laid the first bricks for future bilateral cooperation by signing a strategic cooperation agreement on information technology for the period 2014-2020, comprising five areas: Cooperation in the construction of telecommunications and IT infrastructure; cooperation in the application of information technology; cooperation in improving solutions to ensure information security; cooperation in the development of telecommunications and IT human resources; and cooperation in the IT industry.

This event marks a significant step in demonstrating the province's determination to implement Resolution 26 of the Politburo on building Nghe An into a center for industry and technology in the North Central region. To date, after nearly three years of implementation, the agreement has yielded many outstanding results in various fields. Thanks to the guidance of the Provincial People's Committee in creating favorable conditions for VNPT Nghe An in developing telecommunications and IT network infrastructure, organizing conferences to address difficulties for businesses including VNPT, and issuing numerous documents, programs, and plans related to telecommunications and IT, the two sides have jointly built telecommunications and IT infrastructure to ensure the development of e-government with 4 data integration centers, the construction of nearly 1,500 BTS stations (2G/3G/4G), efforts to expand 4G coverage, and the extension of fiber optic networks to 100% of communes.

Both sides are also promoting the application of IT in the fields of education, healthcare, administrative reform, etc., while simultaneously coordinating the deployment of the Document Management and Operation System (VNPT-iOffice) for provincial departments and agencies, 21 district and city People's Committees, and 480 communes and wards. The entire system is expected to be officially operational from September 1, 2017, ensuring the interoperability of documents across four levels ahead of the government's schedule. In addition, the exploitation of the online conferencing system and the provision of a free warning messaging system for the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue Office are also early fruits of the strategic cooperation between Nghe An and VNPT.

Focusing on improving information security solutions, VNPT has organized many useful training courses for management officials in Nghe An, coordinated the deployment of a dedicated data transmission network for state agencies located in the area, built cloud computing infrastructure for centralized data storage, etc., and has not experienced any information security incidents.

Notably, VNPT has partnered with the province to develop telecommunications and IT human resources, creating opportunities for students to practice, intern, and recruit talented students to work there. Most recently, in 2017, VNPT Nghe An directly trained and signed collaboration contracts with 21 IT students from Vinh University to participate in the deployment of the VNPT-iOffice system for state agencies, which was recognized and highly appreciated by the university's Board of Directors.

VNPT has also invested in the synchronous development of fiber optic network infrastructure and broadband access gateway capacity in the Southeast Economic Zone, signing cooperation agreements and deploying services in major industrial parks such as VSIP Nghe An, WHA Hemaraj, Dong Hoi, Nghi Thiet Deepwater Port, etc.

One-stop service center in Hoa Hieu ward (Thai Hoa town). Photo: Thu Giang

Expectations for elevating cooperation.

Based on an assessment of the achievements, shortcomings, limitations, and lessons learned over the past three years, in addition to collaborating with Nghe An in the areas already agreed upon, VNPT boldly proposes cooperation in providing consulting and support for the development of smart cities in Nghe An province. This solution, utilizing information and communication technology to improve quality of life, work capabilities, and ensure sustainable development, is gradually proving to be a prominent trend in many parts of the world. Mr. Huynh Quang Liem, Deputy General Director of VNPT Group, proposed:

“First, adhere closely to the government's development orientation, while adapting to the province's specific characteristics. Second, prioritize the people. Third, refer to prominent trends and draw on practical experiences from around the world. Fourth, clearly identify solutions that can be implemented immediately and quickly bring benefits to the people, businesses, and the government. Fifth, build on a modern and integrated technological platform. Sixth, ensure consistency between technological and non-technological solutions such as legal and communication measures. And finally, establish an open platform and open data to encourage businesses and citizens to participate.”

During the exchange with VNPT partners, Comrade Nguyen Dac Vinh - Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation - emphasized: "In its development strategy, Nghe An hopes that VNPT will continue to pay attention to and work with the province to upgrade telecommunications and IT infrastructure, ensuring the quality of communication and related services, because these contents serve not only Nghe An but also the entire North Central region."

The Secretary of the Nghe An Provincial Party Committee also affirmed that building smart cities is a task Nghe An is undertaking, but it needs more systematic investment and upgrading based on the existing management and operation system. Regarding VNPT's proposal, he suggested conducting a survey and reassessment of Nghe An's infrastructure capacity, and proposed that VNPT cooperate to help the province orient its future development. "Solving this issue will enable Nghe An to lead, manage, and operate more effectively; the application of machinery and technology will make everything faster and more responsive, leading to greater public support, and businesses will see greater efficiency, clarity, and transparency," Mr. Nguyen Dac Vinh expressed his expectations.

Highly appreciating the positive, comprehensive, and effective initial results in the five areas of cooperation between VNPT and Nghe An over the past period, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Duong - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee - also pointed out: "In the orientation of socio-economic development in the coming time, Nghe An will continue to consider the application and development of information technology as one of the key priorities, creating a spearhead to build Nghe An into an IT center in the North Central region, successfully building e-government, contributing to the successful implementation of Resolution 26 of the Politburo." Thus, with the commitment to creating the most favorable conditions from the Party Committee and the government of Nghe An province, VNPT possesses many advantages to make breakthroughs, ensuring the successful completion of the cooperation contents according to the signed agreement, creating a significant transformation in the development process of Nghe An.

Thu Giang