(VOVworld) - The ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology (IT) Ministers’ Meeting (ASEAN TELMIN 15) opened in Da Nang on Thursday.

Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc receives delegates and ministers from 10 ASEAN member countries to the TELMIN 15. (Photo: Tran Le Lam/VNA)

Themed “Looking towards a Comprehensive, Safe, and Sustainable ASEAN Community on Digital Basis”, the event gathered 200 delegates from the 10 ASEAN member nations and partner countries.

Participants will announce the conclusion of the ASEAN ICT Master Plan 2010 – 2015 and ratify the plan towards 2020.

In his opening speech, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said ICT cooperation has contributed remarkably to the region’s growth adding: “We need to prioritize the initiatives on narrowing the digital gap among member countries, between urban and rural areas to ensure all people to have equal access to ICT. ICT development needs to be associated with sustainable growth to ensure economic interests, minimize negative impacts on the social environment, and promote the development of other economic sectors. We need to focus on high-tech products and create an environment for IT application to serve the socio-economic development. It should ensure a safe cyber network for people, businesses, member countries to access and share information.”

The ASEAN TELMIN 15 marked a turning point in ICT cooperation among ASEAN members towards 2020.