Speaking at a working session with the Ministry of Posts and Telematics (MoPT) in Hanoi on May 10, Mr Dung praised the post and telecoms and information technology sector for making significant achievements over the past years. Currently, Vietnam has more than 27 million telephones (an average of 32,57 sets/100 persons) and more than 15 million Internet users, making up 18.64 percent of its total population. Electronic products and computers are among the country’s key hard currency earners, with export value reaching more than US$1 billion last year.

“The development of post and telecommunications and information technology sector has helped facilitate economic development, ensure social welfare and maintain national defence and security,” said Mr Dung.

He affirmed that the Party and State create all favourable conditions for the sector to develop rapidly and comprehensively by providing appropriate mechanisms, encouraging investment resources and paying attention to personnel training.

He pointed to the sector's weakness and shortcomings, saying that its development has not yet met the country's potential and requirements. He asked MoPT to seek ways to sharpen the competitive edge of the sector and mobilise all resources for the purpose.

“The sector needs to identify preferential areas for investment in order to contribute to the country's sustainable development in the 2007-2010 period,” said Mr Dung.