India to bolster ASEAN's digital connectivity missions

The Dollar Business Bureau 

Minister of State for Communications (Independent Charge), Manoj Sinha, on Monday, said ASEAN countries’ ambitious digital connectivity initiatives can benefit from the Indian expertise of extending affordable digital technologies to remote areas. 

"We look forward to being your preferred partner in your digital connectivity initiatives...I can assure you, we will do whatever is required, for Indian products and services to become the first choice for your telecom needs," he said at a gathering of telecom representatives from ASEAN countries organised by Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC).  

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet initiatives such as Bharat Net broadband project, Digital India and Make in India, the minister said: “...the experience of taking technology to remote corners at affordable price, can be leveraged by you to provide cost-effective communications solutions in your home countries... with our experience and expertise it will be easy for you to achieve targets.” 

"Mobile technology, products and services from India come with the best security, and high quality...you can rely on Indian telecom products," Sinha added.  

He also said India is willing to extend long-term financing to the ASEAN members for purchasing Indian goods and services.  

According to government statements, the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC) has on Monday organised an inter-ministerial meeting between telecom ministers of ASEAN and India in New Delhi.  

Sinha is holding wide-ranging discussions with telecom ministers, government officials and industry stalwarts from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR and Indonesia.