According to the International Telecommunications Union, restrictions and poor infrastructure make Myanmar one of the world’s least digitally connected countries. Myanmar’s newly elected government, has undertaken a series of political and economic reforms as part of efforts to achieve the vision of becoming a modern, democratic and developed country by the year 2030.
As economic transitions continue in the country, two international telecommunications firms have been awarded the tender to develop Myanmar’s mobile infrastructure and the implementation of guidelines for Foreign Investment, whose entry to the market will see to millions of people getting online for the first time.
Photo Credit: Michael Coghlan on Flickr
The international community has responded positively to the reform process, with many global firms across all sectors waiting for the passage of new investment rules that will enable them carry out business in Myanmar for the first time in a little over 50 years. According to World Bank, successful implementation of this project will lead to a 6.8 percent growth in the Myanmar’s economy this year only.
ICT works, a social enterprise that creates highly sustainable and affordable ICT infrastructure technologies designed specifically for organizations that provide vital services, will be hosting an event on 6th August in Yangon, this year; ‘What is the Future of ICT in Myanmar?’ ICT works, intends to gather 50 thought leaders and decision makers in development and technology, to explore the future of ICT in Myanmar in an interactive half-day session with a mix of presentations, debate, and small working groups. The expected outcomes of this event include;
1. Defined goals and next steps for development actors and technologists;
2. Clear opportunities to partner with civil society, the private sector, and government, and;
3. An intimate knowledge of the people and institutions leading technology and development efforts in Myanmar.
The session is expected to be lively, interactive with the aim of coming up with new approaches and initiatives in accelerating the social and economic advancement of Myanmar.
RSVP is required for attendance. Please share the invite with your Burmese friends and colleagues.