The Software Industry Promotion Agency (Sipa) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Laos government to bring Thai software products to the country.

The memorandum, signed with Laos' National Authority for Science and Technology, aims to provide Thai software for use in the Laos government and the private sector.

Sipa president Rungruang Limchoopatipa said that under the agreement, Sipa would initially help Laos to develop its human resources and enable knowledge transfer between the Thai and the Laos governments.
 

The agency also plans to set up a committee to develop business collaboration between the two countries in the next phase.

"Thai software companies see potential in joint investments with Laos businesses as Laos is a crucial market for the expansion of the  information and communications [ICT] industry," Rungruang said. He said the key markets in Laos included the education and government sectors.

Laos' National Authority for Science and Technology acting director-general Somlouay Kittignavong said the agency would help the country reduce its digital divide by promoting the use of ICT in metropolitan and remote areas.

"We want to develop and utilise ICT to improve the quality of life and provide a one-stop-service for e-governance to the Laos people by early next year," Somlouay said.

Laos' ICT Commerce Association  president Thanongsinh Kanlagna said that to support the agency, the association would facilitate collaboration between Laos and Thai businesses for the promotion of Thai software in the country.