The growth and development of the ICT sector in Bahrain reached a stage of development with a core focus on excellence by supporting initiatives to develop knowledge-based society supported by modern communication networks and qualified workforce, in addition to exchange of expertise, according to Government Minister.
Minister of Transportation, His Excellency, Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, in his keynote address at the opening of the MEET ICT 2013 conference said that the ICT sector has emerged as a major driver behind the economic development of the country.
The Minister also announced the launch of the Government Apps Store that is provided by Bahrain’s eGovernment Authority as a unified window that consists of all government applications for an integrated mobile phone portfolio. It facilitates access and makes the best use of applications.
The24X7News (www.twentyfoursevennews) is the media partner of the MEET ICT 2013.
On the sidelines of the MEET ICT 2013 conference, which runs between December 10th to 12th at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, the Bahrain International Technology Exhibition (BITEX) hosts debates on the technology evolution and sustainability.
“Such conferences as one of the facets of the private sector’s major part in the development process; partnering with the public sector to ensure the transition from an information society to a knowledge-based society,” he said.
“We as officials should work on promoting the private sector to contribute as part of the ambitious framework adopted by the National eGovernment Strategy 2016 which has as its primary objectives of raising the levels of competence, fostering participation and active cooperation between stakeholders, as well as sponsoring innovation and entrepreneurship,” His Excellency, said.
“We seek to be transformed into a smart society based on efficient and effective performance with a core focus on raising the level of knowledge-based services by ideally using information technology and the grounds for our optimism is the notable developments and indicators that imply safety and integrity of our directions,” HR the Minister explained.
Certified global reports about ICT indicators show that milestone achievements have been made by Bahrain in this industry. International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) has identified Bahrain as one of the most dynamic countries in ICT. Measuring the Information Society (MIS) report issued this year ranks Bahrain third in the Arab region and eighth as the highest in terms of the ICT Development Index (IDI).
Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH) Chairman Ubaydli Al Ubaydli praised the support and patronage of His Excellency Kamal during the conference and stressed the vital role of entrepreneurs in the development of the economic growth in their countries, pointing out entrepreneurs’ key role in diversifying sources of income, creating new job opportunities and horizontally distributing the production process rather than being concentrated in cosmopolitan cities.
Ubaydli announced the launch of the first of its type in the region the “Entrepreneurs Gateway.”
He elaborated on the new features of the new entrepreneurial gateway, saying that the portal is distinguished in terms of the collective efforts exerted by a number of stakeholders to develop the idea and establish the infrastructure of the portal and then launch the required services. The Entrepreneurship Gateway is a joint collaboration effort by UNIDO, BTECH, Gulf Future Business, Southern Governorate and Al Nadeem IT Company
HE Minister also honoured the sponsors and partners who have contributed to the success of the event which was held in parallel with BITEX.
The three days conference and exhibition gathers ICT institutions and companies to have the opportunity to showcase their relevant activities and services. The public can attend the exhibition and gain access to the latest developments and innovations in technology from 9am to 5pm.
The expo will be a meeting venue to communicate and interact with various local, regional and global organizations as well as experts such as the eGovernment Authority.
eGovernment Authority eService Delivery and Channel Enhancement Director Ahmed Buhazza presented a paper on day two about mobile technologies and modern trends moving towards mobile services with the aim of promoting transition towards smart government.
The annual conference’s 4th edition talks about ICT Arabic strategies intended for sustainable development in the Arab world – with the participation of local and international professionals and experts in this field.
Organisers of the event, Worksmart CEO Ahmed Al Hujairi, highlighted the importance of innovation, compatibility and sustainability in ICT and IT sectors in Bahrain.
He urged all the players to keep abreast with latest technology with an aim to achieve excellence in products and services.
“The rapid development in ICT has emerged as a major driver in the economic development and Bahrain should continue to be leader by rolling out best products and services with main thrust on innovation,” he added.
BITEX displays all technical support for companies specialized in the ICT industry and offers the opportunity to be familiar with this market’s trends – allowing direct communication with international corporations operating in this area.