The British embassy in Hanoi said in a press release that the website will be built with the technical support of Thumbsize Ltd, owner of Yoosk.com which has been piloted in the UK with the purpose of connecting public figures with British citizens.

The website is expected to be ready for use by early 2010 and will connect NA deputies with the public online for the first time.

Th public will be encouraged to use the website to ask questions of deputies of the highest representative bodies in Vietnam on issues they are concerned about.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Si Dung, Deputy Chair of the National Assembly Office, said that the website would enable the participation of Vietnamese citizens in legislation and strengthen the relationship between elected deputies and the public.

British Ambassador Mark Kent, hoped that the “new way of engaging with the Vietnamese public using participative media” would serve the interests of both National Assembly deputies and Vietnamese voters. He also hoped that it would contribute to strengthening ties of friendship between the UK and Vietnam.”

The website, a six-month pilot project that starts this month, has a budget of £30,000 (US$49,000). When it ends, the website will be owned, operated and managed by the Vietnam National Assembly Office for various activities of the national parliament.

Reported by Huu Tho