During a recent visit to Colombia, Bill Gates pledged to promote the fledgling IT industry in the country through the establishment of computer training centers.

According to Bill Gates, Microsoft is and will invest a total of 1 million USD in the next 3 years to establish 9 training centers in some conflict areas of Colombia. Microsoft's goal is to help people here "online" with the world because the number of Internet users in Latin America is very low.

Microsoft promotes IT in Colombia images 1 Gates in Colombia. Photo: AP The statement came after Gates met with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, government officials, education ministers and entrepreneurs on March 19.

The Colombian government also signed two agreements with Microsoft, which underlined Mr Uribe's commitment to using Microsoft products instead of the Linux operating system.

The establishment of computer training centers in Colombia was announced in October 2006, but so far no centers have been opened. Microsoft spokeswoman, Carolina Sanchez, said it was only certain that there will be two training centers in Valledupar and Cucuta cities that will be inaugurated shortly.