The agreement signed on April 9 will allow the world’s biggest software maker to supply the province with advanced e-government solutions and support to transform its current website into a portal to provide improved channels for those wanting to access public information and services.

During a one-day visit to Vietnam on April 9, Microsoft’s chief operating officer, Kevin Turner, said that this will be an outstanding example of how to do governmental work electronically. Mr Turner said he was impressed with the Vietnamese Government’s effort to develop the ICT industry.

Microsoft will work with Lao Cai’s Department of Information and Communication to design and implement Microsoft’s e-government solution within the Connected Government Framework (CGF).

The first version of Lao Cai’s portal will offer a “Question/Answer” service to make fully understand clarify legal guidelines and regulations online.

Another online service “Business Licence Registration” will allow firms to submit applications for licence, and track their progress.