Tuesday, 23 July 2024
ICT Minister Hon. Timothy Masiu (left) receiving a gift from the Vice Chairman of CIDCA Mr. Liu Junfeng after the high-level meeting at CIDCA office, Beijing China
Information and Communications Technology Minister Hon. Timothy Masiu provided an overview of the recent “successful” meeting with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).
CIDCA is the decision-making arm of the People’s Republic of China on foreign aid.
Minister Masiu said their meeting with the CIDCA team, led by Vice-Chairman Mr. Liu Junfeng, focused on enhancing the PNG ICT sector under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for ICT cooperation between China and PNG.
He has further requested support from CIDCA, particularly in the ICT sector, by building critical infrastructures, and assist PNG DataCo and Telikom in improving mobile networks and communications throughout the country.
Masiu highlighted key areas of focus within the sector, including the submarine cable project, Telikom’s coverage upgrade project, and NBC’s Phase 2 of the ‘Analogue to Digital’ project, and the Digital Government agenda of PNG led by the Department of ICT.
“Under the submarine cable project, PNG plans to connect with Hong Kong, China, and other countries as well,” he explained.
The proposed ‘Smart City’ concept for the National Capital District was also discussed, with the high-level meeting exploring how PNG can leverage China’s CCTV expertise to advance the objectives of the Nation’s Capital.
CIDCA requested the ICT delegation clarify which focus areas CIDCA can assist with under the MoU.
They advised the PNG ICT delegation to refine their proposals, ensuring they account for all entities’ focus areas before submitting them to CIDCA.
Minister Masiu reiterated that the MoU is important to the government of PNG “We will meet with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and see where we can start and move on from there,” he added