Second forum prepares to include all economies

Business

THE second digital economy forum will begin today in Port Moresby in recognition of the importance of connectivity to the growth and prosperity of the country.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Deputy Prime Minister Charles Abel, Communications Minister Koni Iguan, National Information and Communication Technology Authority (Nicta) chief executive officer Charles Punaha and Chinese Ambassador Xue Bing are expected to attend.
The theme is “Connect the unconnected for an inclusive economy.”
The two-day exhibition will showcase the latest progress and technology in the ICT industry.
The industry believes connectivity is the bedrock of digital inclusion, as efforts are being made to achieve upper-middle-income country status by 2050.
It is understood that one third of the country’s population is still unconnected to any mobile services.
Widespread disparities in mobile phone access and usage exist between PNG’s urban centres and rural areas, where over 87 per cent of the population reside.