“We are committed to implementing the government’s e-government strategy, and we are on the right track. In fact, we started implementing the e-government plan three years ago.
“A convergent network will be launched soon, and an agreement to establish the network is expected to be signed with the national telecom company Omantel,” Macki told Times.
“E-government is a priority for Oman, and adoption of new technologies will make public administration simple. More importantly, procedures will be rationalised and ensure strict adherence to the nation’s overall legislative framework,” Macki said.
The minister said that encouraging the development of IT industry has been part of Oman’s diversification plans.
“Introduction of advanced information and communication technologies will make the government entities function more effectively, in terms of public services. It will help us meet the needs of citizens more effectively.
Government-to-government transactions will emerge more transparent and create greater efficiencies across the country,” deputy chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, told Times.
The e-government strategy comprises a series of programmes, including on-line statistics, e-tendering, one-stop-shop for registration of companies at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, electronic fund transfer, e-tendering, smart identity cards, geographical information systems, education, etc.
The one-stop-shop system for company registration is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, involving six ministries. The first phase of the project will be implemented this month, and the ‘online national statistics’ project, is expected to be completed by June 2006.
The government, from the academic year 2004-2005, started the implementation of international computer driving licence across 500 schools to train 50,000 students in Grade 11. The government has also completed the infrastructure by connecting 400 schools via wireless network to provide internet access. An education portal is also expected to be launched next year.
Autor/Author: Palazhi Ashok Kumar
Quelle/Source: Times of Oman, 16.05.2006
