Laos calls for narrowing of digital gap to spur development   

Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith has called on the region to unite in striving to bridge the digital development gap and take all countries on board in maximising digital advancement potential to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
In his address at the 80th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 23, the

Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith addresses the ESCAP meeting in Bangkok.

Deputy PM said harnessing digitalisation is pivotal in moving forward with the region’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
While countries across the globe are embracing digitalisation to fuel socio-economic development with many making big strides in adopting digital technology, there is still a big gap among some countries that must be addressed.
“This digital divide can deepen existing inequalities, while also hampering access to resources and opportunities,” the Deputy PM said, calling on the international community to provide support to countries in most need.
“Bridging this divide requires a concerted effort in addressing barriers such as limited infrastructure, digital literacy, and affordability, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards sustainable development, powered by digital innovation.”
The ESCAP session explored the theme ‘Leveraging digitalisation innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific’.
Mr Saleumxay, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, told the meeting that Laos recognises the importance of digitalisation and has incorporated it into the national strategy, while working with the regional and international community to harness digital technology.
The Lao government has embarked on the 20-year National Digital Economic Development Vision (2021-2040), which includes the 10-year National Digital Economy Strategy (2021-2030), and 5-year National Digital Economic Development Plan (2021-2025).
As a least developed country (LDC) and landlocked developing country, Laos is prioritising ICT and innovation in its bid to graduate from LDC status in 2026, in line with the 2030 SDG Agenda.
At the global level, Laos has been working closely with the United Nations Technology Bank for least developed countries to jointly conduct its Technology Needs Assessment.
This process, Mr Saleumxay said, is crucial to identifying Laos’ technology needs so as to better formulate relevant policies and actions that can accelerate socio-economic development.
Furthermore, it underscores the importance of mobilising support from the international community to help LDCs bridge the digital divide and leverage technology for sustainable development.
At the regional level, Laos supports the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025, which aims to accelerate digital integration across the region by enhancing connectivity, fostering innovation, promoting inclusion, and strengthening governance.
In this connection, Laos, as the ASEAN Chair for 2024, has adopted the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”, of which one of the nine priorities is the transition to a digital future to support ASEAN’s emergence as a leading digital economy, building deeper connections across ASEAN and the world.
“Together, let us forge partnerships and commit resources to ensure that no nation is left behind,” the Deputy PM said.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 25, 2024)