On the first day of Andicom in Cartagena, ICT Minister Mauricio Lizcano was present at the microphones of Caracol Radio, who clarified details about 5G technology and its arrival in the country. He also mentioned the work done by the government.
Referring to the country’s reindustrialization, the minister stated that one of the government’s priorities is to boost the use of technology. Because they believe that progress can be made in this way. “Colombia needs to get out of the middle-income trap. Our per capita income is well below what we need to truly reduce poverty and achieve justice. We believe that the country’s reindustrialization must be based on technology, on digitally based companies, on innovation and on artificial intelligence.”
“Therefore, our entire proposal focuses on how the MinTic forms the basis for the development of the country in an overarching way with the technology,” he added.
On the three fronts the ministry is working on, the official clarified that great progress has been made. “We are doing very well, in terms of connectivity we have already signed the contract. We will connect 168 communities in the Pacific, La Guajira and the Amazon. We already have a connectivity plan for all other areas of the country to force companies to provide connectivity to the poorest.”
Likewise, he pointed out that in a few years the country will be a benchmark for connectivity. “But we also have a great strategy for connectivity communities. We already have 19,000 to enable communities, even with government support, to connect the most remote areas. With our project already underway and we’ve had it for four months, we hope to increase connectivity from 65% to 75% next year and to 85% after the end of government. In other words, we have made the country world-class in terms of connectivity.”
Another focus of the Ministry is the education of young people. “In innovation ecosystems, we strive to develop the entire ecosystem of regions; and we are working very hard on our commitment called Colombia Digital Power. We will train one million people in digital education. We already have agreements with the Seine for minors in the ninth, tenth and eleventh grades. Also with the British Council to educate children.”
In this regard, the minister clarified that the country lacks the following elements to be a world tech powerhouse: “greater connectivity, greater adoption of technology and better education.” If we achieve these three goals, combine them and become innovation ecosystems, what this government does, we will be able to move up from the rankings we are in, from a lower mid-table country to world leaders. We want to be leaders in Latin America. With this strategy implemented by the government, change can be achieved.
The minister stressed that in terms of technology acquisition, the government delivered an appropriate number of devices. “We need greater appropriation of technology. That’s why we’ve donated more than 40,000 computers in the last four months.”
With this strategy, the minister assured, the country could overcome its global position in technology issues: “With more connectivity, more innovation ecosystems, more digital education, stronger creation of ecosystems in the regions, I’m sure of that.” This and with the results that we have, Colombia will move up to 42nd place, moving from a lower mid-table country to a leader. The leading countries must be in the top 20 or 30. We are ranked 54. We are aiming in this administration to improve at least 20 positions and remain future world leaders.”
