(KPL) The handover of a newly-built training building of the Information and Communication Technology Institute took place on May 20 in Vientiane in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdala, and Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Laos Wang Chang.

Officials of relevant offices were also present at the ceremony.

“This improvement project of the Information and Communication Technology Institute involves the design and construction of a 5-story ICT training building in an area of 5,524 sqm. It is equipped with modern classrooms, laboratories, offices, libraries, and conference rooms,” said Head of the Information and Communication Technology Institute Padabxay Xayakoth.

The building, built with a financial grant from the Chinese government, is also equipped with teleconference equipment for online training purposes.

Local teachers and staff have been also trained in Laos and China in preparation for the management of the training facility.

“This construction project of the Information and Communication Technology Institute is one of several projects funded by the Chinese government. It is a model project that is fully implemented by the Lao side,” said Minister Boviengkham Vongdala. “It demonstrates the friendship the Party, government and people of China shares with the Party, government and people of Laos. It is a symbol of cooperative relations, and mutual assistance between Laos and China.”

In the Lao PDR, ICT workforce accounts for less than 1% of the total workers. This means that our ICT workforce is limited in terms of quantity and quality. We need to increase the ratio of ICT workers to 3% in order to ensure the growth of the digital economy in the country. Therefore, the establishment of this ICT training centre is very important to the development of human resources in the country.”

KPL