VIENTIANE, Sept. 25 -- The 2014 Lao ICT Summit has been held here in the capital, attended by the nation's telecommunications operators and representatives from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Thursday.

"New mobile technologies are profoundly changing the way we live and work," said deputy Minister of the Lao Ministry of Telecommunications and Post Thansamay Kommsith in his speech at the summit's opening ceremony.

"ICT is no longer just a tool to improve efficiency, but an ember and a catalyst for the transformation of all industries."

The summit, hosted by Chinese network and telecommunications multinational Huawei, was designed as a chance to share ideas and experience with Lao stakeholders in information and communications technology (ICT).

Attendees had the opportunity to hear about the latest trends in mobile broadband, cloud computing, data analytics, and social networking from experts in the field.

The meeting was also attended by Lao Director General of Department of Telecommunications Xayluxa Insisiengmay and Commercial Counselor of the Embassy of China in Laos Zhao Wenyu.

"Utilization of the internet and ICT have become fundamental to the business mindset, requiring us to put customers at the center of all business models and focus on customer experience in a way we never did before," said vice President of Huawei Southeast Asia Yu Xiao.

"Thanks to this new mindset, traditional sectors such as education, transportation and banking services have been given new life," Yu said.

Huawei has been a long term investor in the Lao PDR with a presence since 1999. Huawei developed the country's first 3G network in the capital in 2008 and subsequently the nation's 4G infrastructure in 2012.

Based in Bangkok, Huawei Southeast Asia has over 2,000 employees and controls almost 50 percent of the market share. As ICT infrastructure is quickly becoming as vital as electricity and roads, Huawei has acted as a catalyst and a champion for the transformation of the industry.

"As always, we will continue our efforts in technological innovation and open cooperation, to leverage our capabilities across the industry, contribute our knowledge and global experiences, thereby better connecting the world, constantly enabling social progress and enriching people's lives," Yu said.

During his speech deputy Minister Thansamay noted that the governments of Southeast Asia had focused their energy in investment and development of the ICT industry. According to Thansamay the ministry is learning from the lessons of other countries in the region as well as from the expertise of companies like Huawei.

"I hope Huawei and all operators can assist Ministry of Telecommunications and Post in the development of the ICT industry in Laos and create a good industry business environment," Thansamay said.