Hanoi (VNA)༒ – Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc has urged the information and communications sector to focus on developing digital infrastructure, strongly accelerate the application artificial intelligence (AI) and promote the digital industry, contributing to the whole country’s efforts to advance to a new era of prosperity and growth.

Addressing a year-end review conference of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) in Hanoi on December 29, Phoc said that following Decision 57-NQ/TW signed by Party General Secretary To Lam on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the MIC must create breakthroughs in resources and drive economic growth, which is its key task in the coming period. At the same time, the sector needs to focus on promoting digital technology, applying information and communication technology to accelerate the development of the digital economy, while educating the public about the concept of the digital economy to foster its growth, he said, stressing that the current era is driven by AI technology, which must be accompanied by Big Data, Blockchain, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, management methods, and workforce skills. The sector must also focus on combating harmful and false information spread through cross-border social media platforms, while strengthening inspections and addressing violations in journalism and media activities, he asked. The Deputy PM noted that in implementing Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW on the streamlining and restructuring of the political system’s organisational apparatus, the MIC and the Ministry of Science and Technology will merge to form the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Communications. He affirmed that the new ministry will bring new strength, a new mission, and greater operational efficiency. Both ministries share a common foundation in technology, he said, holding that with the combined expertise in information and communications and the primary focus on technology, the new ministry will operate more effectively, with a deeper and stronger impact. Phoc praised achievements that the MIC has gained in 2024, noting that Vietnam's e-Government ranking in 2024 has risen to the 71st position out of 193 countries, an increase of 15 places compared to 2022. The proportion of households using fibre optic cables has reached 85%, up 6.8% from the same period in 2023 at 79%. The number of mobile broadband subscriptions has reached 94 per 100 people, marking a 10% increase from the same period in 2023, which stood at 85.7 subscriptions. According to MIC Minister Nguyen Manh Hung, by 2030, in order to contribute to the nation’s efforts to enter a new era of prosperity and development, Vietnam's digital infrastructure, technology, industry, and transformation must rank within the global top 50, with some sectors reaching the top 20-30. This ambitious goal is essential for driving Vietnam’s development, creating a solid foundation for national growth, digital transformation, and the advancement of both the digital and social economy, he said./.