I 1.0 ntroduction ICT advances over the last few decades have led to the convergence of broadcasting, telecommunications, computing and content. It has impacted the way business is conducted, facilitated learning and knowledge sharing, and generated global information flows, empowered citizens and communities, resulting in a global information society. Increasingly, ICT is playing the central catalytic role in pushing the development process forward and boosting the efficiency of the increasingly integrated global economy. In industrial countries, it is widely acknowledged to be the engine of economic growth and directly linked to productivity. Hence, countries that have harnessed the potential of ICT have attained significant social and economic development. Seychelles has always been among the leaders in the region in respect to the deployment of ICT. However, the future success of Seychelles in enhancing its competitiveness in the regional and global economy and improving the quality of life of its people is crucially dependent upon its capacity to develop as a leading ICT hub through international best practices in the use of ICT in all aspects and sectors of its economy. Since most industrial countries and many developing countries including a few in the Indian Ocean region have already set-out to become leading regional and global ICT hubs, it is essential that a high level of priority and commitment by the Government and Private Sector of Seychelles is given to fast-track the successful implementation of the ICT Plan so that the objectives set-out above are achieved. Success in achieving this objective requires sustained effort in setting policies, devising strategies, and adopting standards that ensure the full potential of ICT to be harnessed so as to meet the present and future social, economic and cultural sustainable development aspirations of the people of Seychelles. National ITC ICT Policy for Seychelles 1

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