Rangoon, Burma – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) convened a group of U.S. representatives from information and communication technology (ICT) industry leaders Cisco, Google, HP, Intel, and Microsoft in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw, Burma. The week-long visit explored a range of joint opportunities for accelerating affordable access to the Internet, strengthening transparent and efficient government, and bolstering skills building.

The high-tech delegation met with a wide range of public and private sector representatives and universities to discuss opportunities that can advance the country’s progress toward the goals of the U.S.-Burma Partnership for Democracy, Peace and Prosperity, the Open Government Partnership, and the government’s Framework for Economic and Social Reform.

The delegation discussed opportunities for the technology companies to improve people’s access to information, create business opportunities, lower transaction costs and enhance social interaction. They examined skills building opportunities at all levels of the national education system, including ICT technical training and adult learning to use technology to expand civic participation and to build connections between citizens and their government. The delegation also explored opportunities to promote innovations in extending information technology access to underserved areas.

“It has been an extremely successful visit,” said Maura O’Neill, USAID Chief Innovation Officer. “I believe the government and industry and higher education leaders appreciated the commitment these world-class U.S. companies made to exploring collaboration opportunities on both social and economic development priorities. The promise of this new era is huge and we all share the same goal to move quickly to realize it.”

USAID has long standing relationships with major global technology companies that have track records of advancing development outcomes while aligning with core business interests. The companies bring deep expertise, leading-edge technology, and extensive experience in strengthening governance and transparency, advancing education and fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.