(VOVworld) – Two websites for data integration and online visa applications were inaugurated in Hanoi on Friday. The launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Bac Son, and World Bank Director in Vietnam Victoria Kwaka.

Representatives cut the ribbon to launch the online visa service. (Photo: VGP)

In Minh’s opinion, the project to develop information technology and communications in Vietnam is important to run an electronic government, adding that the two new websites are important to the Foreign Ministry. He said: “This is the first time Vietnam has launched a website where Vietnamese and foreigners can apply for visas and register online. It proves the determination of the Foreign Ministry to modernize all sectors under its management by furthering IT applications.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh speaks at the event. (Photo: VOVworld)

The project is funded by ODA capital from the World Bank. Kwaka said: “This Mofa’s key public services and backbone working infrastructure were developed with support from the World Bank finance project. I’m also delighted to know that now visa online services have been rolled out in all representative offices of Vietnam over the world. This implementation has helped them not only cope with increasing demands for visas but also shorten the time required for visa processing and issuance by half tp just 2 working days. It’s a remarkable achievement even in comparison with many other countries.”

After a 9-month pilot, the project is now available at 95 Vietnamese representative offices abroad. Foreigners can log onto the page visa.mofa.gov.vn to complete an application form and see their visa application status.