The Communications Minister has completed a visit to Shenzhen in China and before the left the country, Masiu said: "As I prepare to depart China this afternoon for South Korea, I am quite pleased with the commitment and offer of support from the People's Republic of China and the ITU in the ICT space in PNG."

 

Masiu had attended and addressed a two-day seminar jointly hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the ITU on ‘building a digital future for all,' and the 2023 BRICS Forum on ‘future networks innovation'.

 

"Apart from the resounding support I got from the participants on a stronger Pacific voice in international ICT organisations like the ITU and the UN, I was able to secure more ICT projects for the country.

 

"During our bilateral meeting, the Chinese Vice Minister for MIIT, Zhang Yunming committed further cooperation with the PNG Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) as it progresses its ICT transformation agenda.

 

"Minister Zhang also asked senior officials to fast track the signing of the MoU between DICT and the MIIT so we can pursue further areas of cooperation in ICT," Masiu said.

 

Zhang also announced another 10 Chinese study scholarships for PNG students to take up.

 

Masiu also met with ITU director of Telecommunication Development Bureau, Dr Cosmos Zavazava who also pledged the ITU's support for the setting up of the ITU Regional Sub-Office in the Pacific Region, consistent with the Lakatoi Declaration in Port Moresby.

 

Dr Zavazava also announced five ‘connect the schools' projects for PNG.

 

The ITU also committed the ITU to deploy early disaster warning systems for PNG.

 

"The company has assured me that the Project is on track for completion by July 2024," Masiu said.