Wednesday 24 July, 2024
PNG ICT Delegation led by Hon. Timothy Masiu, with Ministry of Industry and Information Technology delegation led by Vice-Minister Wang Jiangping after the high-level meeting on ICT corporation at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing, China.
Information and Communications Technology Minister, Hon. Timothy Masiu, led a high-level PNG ICT delegation and met with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of the People’s Republic of China, after a successful meeting with the China International Development Corporation (CIDCA) on July 23 2024.
The meeting focused on the implementation of a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening ICT capabilities and infrastructure in PNG.
Minister Masiu emphasized the need for concrete actions following the MoU, stating, “I am here to follow up on the recently signed MoU between MIIT and PNG’s ICT Ministry for ICT cooperation, because over the years, there have been many MoUs signed with no implementation efforts,” Minister Masiu stated.
He highlighted key areas of cooperation under the MoU, including bilateral relations, infrastructure collaboration, improvement of ICT capabilities, and maintaining regular communications.
“Our focus areas include digital transformation for the whole of government, digital government, leveraging artificial intelligence to automate processes in public service, and critical infrastructures like the government cloud, improved broadcasting and telecommunications” he added.
Chinese Vice-Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Wang Jiangping, responded positively, aligning with Minister Masiu’s views on the importance of implementation.
“China is like a man of his word, and this is known in the international community. We will proceed with the implementation of this MoU,” Vice-Minister Wang stated.
He reiterated China’s commitment to providing leading ICT tools to address PNG’s challenges and expressed support for PNG’s digital government plan.
“We want PNG to promote open-source software for mutual exclusivity,” he added.
The PNG delegation included the Chief Executive Officer of Telikom Limited, Mr. Amos Tepi, Managing Director, National Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Kora Nou, NBC Deputy Board Chairman Mr. Henao Iduhu, DataCo Senior Management Representative Mr. Une O’ono, DICT Deputy Secretary for Policy and Emerging Technologies Mr. Flierl Shongol, NCDC Senior Official Ms. Immaculate Javia, and First Secretary to NCD Governor Powes Parkop.
Each member spoke on their respective agency’s focus areas, allowing MIIT to identify starting points for implementing the MoU.
Minister Masiu assured the people of PNG that his ministry, on behalf of government, is progressing the MoU, and is determined to seeking funding support from the government of the People’s Republic of China for its implementation.