INFORMATION HIGHWAYS AND SERVICES

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

France at Midrand

The development of the Information society is of particular importance to the Ministry of Postal Services, Telecommunications. This is demonstrated by the numerous initiatives taken in this area at national level.

Reflection on this theme, started in Brussels among the developed countries, and must be spread to emerging and developing nations. It is for this reason that François Fillon so enthusiastically accepted to lead the French delegation to Midrand. Unfortunately, the schedule for reform of telecommunications legislation in France [telecommunications regulations and evolution of France Telecom] made it impossible for him to be present in South Africa. Bruno Lasserre, the director general of Postal Services and Telecommunications, represented him.

The French delegation at Midrand was thus lead by Margie Sudre, Secretary of State for the French Language. The delegation included:

representatives from the Ministry of Postal Services, Telecommunications and Space, from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, from the Ministry for Cooperation, and from the General Delegation for the French Language.
operators and people from industry
representatives from research institutes (ORSTOM, INRIA, CIRAD...)

France's position presented at Midrand can be summed up in four points:

1) integrate the theme of the Information society in the global vision of development aid which will be one of the themes of the Lyon Summit

2) bring about political awareness among the developing countries of the importance of the information society for the economy and society

3) defend the concept of cultural diversity which was recognised at the Brussels Conference

4) the possible launch of cooperative action should involve the competent international organisations, especially for the financial aspects. With regard to this, a meeting of experts could take place before the end of 1996.