The Hanoitimes - Thirty-three information-communication technology (ICT) awards were presented to ICT businesses in Hanoi o­n March 20 in recognition of their efficient operations and contributions to national development.

At the event, Nguyen Duc Kien, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, confirmed that the Party and State identify ICT as a key area to develop a knowledge-based economy in the country.

He said the Ministry of Information and Communication is putting the finishing touches to a national programme to turn Vietnam into an information technology power in the world.

This programme is expected to live up to ICT businesses’ expectations, and it needs the participation of sectors, businesses and the entire society to become realistic, said Mr Kien.

Of the total awards, 9 went to landline and mobile phone and Internet service providers, 10 to IT software developers, 4 to businesses for IT training, and 7 to businesses for creative IT applications.

Three ICT awards were presented to Microsoft Vietnam, Motorola Vietnam and Huawei Vietnam for their significant contributions to the country’s ICT industry.