Country Readiness Assessment Report – Kyrgyzstan . National ICT Summit held on 27-28 April, 2001 in Bishkek. During the summit, the President proposed the following: • the creation of a permanent agency in charge of the implementation of the National Strategy; • the need to identify a person responsible for ICT development in each ministry and agency; • the creation of an ICT Development Fund; • the establishment of an ongoing monitoring scheme in this area. The National Strategy determines the basics of funding for ICT development, stipulating; a rational use of funds for the development and modernisation of projects and mass media in various sectors and regions; an increasingly transparent and targeted use of funds. The National ICT Strategy is designed to solve the problem of growing ‘digital inequality’ between industrially advanced and developing countries, as well as internally - between the centre of the Kyrgyz Republic and its regions. In eradicating ‘digital inequality’ and promoting regional cooperation in Central Asia, an important role will be played by international projects intended for the creation or use of satellite telecommunication systems (Silk Sat, Virtual Silk Road). Representatives of different ministries and agencies, international organisations, civil society and the private sector have participated in the ICT Strategy development. Free Internet discussion has taken place in addition to a round table with the participation of representatives from the public sector, civil society, private businesses, and international organisations. It is noteworthy that the development of the National ICT Strategy was done with the active support and direct involvement of the UNDP Resident Office in Kyrgyzstan, Internews, GIPI, and other international and non-governmental organizations. 6