PNG and Vanuatu Forge ICT Cooperation Agreement
Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Vanuatu have formalized a cooperation agreement to support each other in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The agreement was announced following discussions between PNG ICT Minister Timothy Masiu and Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwi Tabimasmas in Port Vila on Wednesday.
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| PNG ICT Minister Timothy Masiu |
The hour-long meeting focused on how the two Melanesian countries can collaborate in the ICT sector. A key outcome of the discussions was the proposal to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their ICT sectors.
Prime Minister Tabimasmas underscored the significance of such partnerships in advancing ICT in the Pacific region. “ICT is crucial for shaping policies in a region with scattered islands. It can connect us and drive policy development,” Tabimasmas said.
The Prime Minister also announced plans to visit PNG's major ICT infrastructures and projects next month. “I’ll be traveling to PNG on September 6th for the Pope’s visit, which provides an opportunity for me and my team to explore PNG’s advanced ICT infrastructure,” he noted.
Minister Masiu expressed satisfaction with the meeting’s results and has instructed his technical team to initiate work on the proposed MoU. “The meeting was very fruitful, covering various ICT issues and the potential for an MoU between our two countries’ ICT ministries,” Masiu said. “I have directed my officials to start drafting the MoU to formally kick off our cooperation.”
In addition, Masiu, who chairs the Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue, updated Tabimasmas on the progress of the Lagatoi Declaration 2023's action plans and strategies.
This meeting in Vanuatu marks the second leg of Minister Masiu’s Pacific tour. He is scheduled to visit New Caledonia and Tonga next week to brief their ICT ministers on the Lagatoi Declaration’s progress.
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