Deputy PM: ICT sector a priority for Azeri govt
Holding the Global Internet Governance Forum in Baku indicates recognition of the fruitful results of the policy aimed at "development of information society" in Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister Abid Sharifov said at the opening ceremony on Tuesday.
Sharifov said the ICT sector in Azerbaijan is a priority area that is in the focus of President Ilham Aliyev's attention.
"Thanks to the president's decisions, this sector is developing rapidly, particularly in the area of applying ICT in the public administration system and rendering electronic services to the population," he said. "The problem with Internet governance for sustainable economic and social development being discussed at the forum demonstrates the role of the Internet in our globalizing world, emphasizes the importance of the forum and stipulates the broad interest in Internet governance."
Sharifov added that this is testified by the participation of many attendees representing government agencies, businesses and public organizations at the forum.
"Azerbaijan has been actively developing in past years," he said. "The ICT and Internet opportunities are widely used in the country. Internet services have become available, the technology of their use has expanded and the number of users increased."
Sharifov said close international cooperation can produce results in resolving many issues related to the challenges in the development of the whole world, including Internet regulation.
"Moreover, one should not turn the Internet into a tool for terrorism, religious, racial and inter-cultural xenophobia, separatism and other manifestations that are contrary to international norms," he said.