News Release

Ministry of Planning and Investment Completes First Phase of National Business Information Network Project with Cisco Equipment

HANOI, Vietnam -- 26 January 2002 -- The Ministry of
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Jan 26, 2002

HANOI, Vietnam -- 26 January 2002 -- The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has recently launched the Vietnam Business Website (www.business.gov.vn), completing the first phase of the National Business Information Network project. The project is built over a network powered by Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet.

The National Business Information Network aims to create a more transparent business environment in the country, through better information provision and more efficient business registration procedures.

The Vietnam Business Website is the first phase of the National Business Information Network project, connecting the Business Information Center, under the MPI, to 5 cities and provinces in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Nghe An, Dong Nai and Ba Ria- Vung Tau. The network will carry updated business registration information of over 30% of newly established companies throughout the country.

The network consists of 3 tiers: provinces, cities and districts. The Business Information Center of MPI will act as a central repository and distributor of information through which the various Party and Government agencies can gather business data and formulate policies to meet the needs of companies throughout the country. The center will also be a reliable and up-to-date source of information for enterprises nationwide.

In the first phase of project, Cisco routers and network security solutions were installed by Sao Bac Dau, one of Cisco's channel partners. Sao Bac Dau is the major systems integrator for this project.

"We highly appreciate Cisco Systems' technology and Sao Bac Dau's integration expertise. With the intense effort from all the involved parties, the first phase of the project was completed quickly and successfully, within the targeted deadline," said Dr Nguyen Le Trung, Director of Business Information Center.

"We are pleased to be involved in an important national project such as this which provided a good showcase for our technical and professional expertise in network integration. In addition, we also conducted trainings with MPI staff to ensure a smooth transfer of knowledge," said Hoang Hai Thinh, Deputy General Director, Sao Bac Dau company.

"The network is an effective tool to actively support and stimulate business development in Vietnam. This is the very first step in the establishment of e-government, which will speed up Vietnam's integration into the global economy," said Ha Huy Hao, Chief Representative, Cisco Systems Vietnam.

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