ICT policy and cooperation in Asia is a key element in the effort to improve the efficacy of government operation through the use of information and technology. The impact of IT on government operation is clearly understood, as stated by the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS).

The WSIS Plan of Action calls for governments to implement e-government strategies focusing on applications, promoting transparency in public administration and democratic processes, improving efficiency and strengthening relations with the citizens.

The action plan reflects a broad realization that e-government is part of reforming the relationship between the government and the citizens, and at the same time, transforming internal government operation itself. We hope the outcome of this conference will reflect the spirit of the WSIS as well as the APEC Declaration that enable the global community to affect transition from the digital divide existing among countries to digital opportunities for all.