"Towards an ICT-strengthened and connected CLMV Sub-region"

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in close partnerships with various organisations and industries is organising "Sub-regional Telecommunication Ministerial Forum for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV)" under theme "Towards an ICT-strengthened and connected CLMV Sub-region" from 10 to 11 December 2009 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The Forum is kindly hosted by the Ministry of Information and Communication of Viet Nam.

In the CLMV subregion, the task of closing the gap is challenging given the geographic, demographic and economic challenges. Nevertheless, during the last few years, a number of initiatives have been taken up by national governments in the subregion, including: greater competition, enhancement of bandwidth, creation of the Ministry of Information and Communications (Viet Nam), establishment of a separate regulator (National Authority of Posts and Telecommunications, Lao PDR), strengthened regulatory frameworks, increased awareness in the area of ICT applications and security as well as improved focus on human capacity building programs.

Countries have been particularly paying attention in accelerating rural communication development and enhancing international bandwidth and national infrastructure to deliver affordable ICT services. Such initiatives require facilitation through regulatory enablers, availability of appropriate skill sets and human resources, a secure environment and relevant content.

The challenge is to lay down an implementation plan that would connect the unconnected in the four countries of the subregion while providing affordable, reliable and secure ICT connectivity for all.

OBJECTIVES: The CLMV Telecommunication Ministerial Forum has been planned with the following key objectives:

• To lay down enabling frameworks that would facilitate the achievement of an ICT-strengthened and connected CLMV;
   
• To provide multiple stakeholders and partners with a platform to stimulate ICT investments in the CLMV sub-region through various projects, initiatives and commitments.
   

WHO ARE ATTENDING THE FORUM: Aside from the Ministers and senior officials responsible for telecommunication/ICTs in CLMV, high level officials from governments, industries, UN bodies, international and regional organisations who are involved in telecommunication/ICT development and the ITU are expected to attend the Forum.

CALL FOR PARTNERS: The ITU Asia-Pacific Regional Office and Area Office are calling all interested stakeholders to showcase their ICT development initiatives in the CLMV subregion and/or to partnering with ITU in order to develop and implement projects fostering development of the ICT sector in CLMV.

• Ministers from CLMV countries
• Senior officials responsible for telecommunication/ICTs in CLMV
• High level officials from governments, industries, UN bodies, international and regional organisations
   

• New! ITU Report on Enabling Frameworks for ICT Development in CLMV Countries - Moving Forward

• New! Final Communique

• New! Press Release

• Invitation Letter

• Background Paper

• Tentative Agenda

• Practical Information for Participants

• Registration Form

• Fellowship Form

• Brochure