National taskforce planned to provide ICT advise to govt

A NATIONAL taskforce has been planned to advise the Government on information technology and communications matters, says Minister Sam Basil.
“The taskforce will be the key national body that will advise the government on how to address ICT matters,” Basil said.
Basil said the taskforce would bring together ICT development efforts of government departments and agencies.
“Different ICT initiatives and components are housed and administered in different government departments and agencies,” he said.
“This fragmentation is due to a fast-changing ICT sector.”
Basil also pointed out that Papua New Guinea was embracing the idea of a digital economy.
“The taskforce will be the platform to set the governance and regulatory framework for ICT now and into the future,” he said.
It will also partner with private sector organisations.
“The challenges for PNG to embrace the rapidly changing digital economy are vast,” Basil said.
“Our advantage is that we can be agile and move fast.
“If we are ambitious, with your (private sector) help – we can transform PNG.”
The taskforce will be set up with the Department of National Planning and Monitoring.
Basil was at the launching of the PNG Digital Commerce Association at the Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby on Tuesday.