IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

People set their eyes on the big screen to understand the details of the presentation … “Publication, interaction, dealings, transformation” were some of the plan stages meant to change the government of the Syrian regime’s conventional state to a new era of services, as disclosed by a government employee with the rank of “digital conversion manager“.

The shown details are those of a plan drafted 11 years ago, which is, in reality, a spot of mere ink on paper, at a time where internet technologies have become the most apparent global alternative to paper-based government transactions in many countries around the world.

The Syrian authorities are conducting a pilot project to test out “e-government” in the northern city of Aleppo. The plan is to streamline public service delivery and reduce the scope for corruption.

By allowing people to access a number of basic services online, the authorities hopes to cut down on unnecessary paperwork and processing times. For example, Aleppo residents can now file tax returns or apply for marriage certificates electronically, processes that would normally take days or weeks.

In a statement to SANA, the head of the E-Government Initiative Executive Team, Assistant Minister of Communications and Technology Ahmad Basel al-Kheshi said that the e-government portal will provide 22 services immediately upon its launch, with further services being provided once they're ready.

The discussion was made during a workshop on the applications of e-government on the levels of regions and localities, organized by the ministry with the participation of experts from Syria and Turkey.

The discussion was made during a workshop on the applications of e-government on the levels of regions and localities, organized by the ministry with the participation of experts from Syria and Turkey.

Minister of Local Administration Tamer al-Hajjeh said e-government is an integral part of his ministry's strategy for institutional development, noting that the recently-formed executive team for carrying out the Syrian e-Government Initiative has begun its tasks and is working to motivate government bodies to use information technology and support them in this regard.

The meeting approved a temporary launch of e-government initiative services including data on governmental services that could be provided and the communication interface standards.

Proposals for electronic payment system, smart cards, road navigation systems and distance learning project were also on the table.

The remarks came during a workshop held at the Cabinet's Headquarters on the scientific tools for the project of modernizing administration in Syria based on applying the techniques and systems of business intelligence, in addition to means of supporting decision on various levels.

As part of efforts to make use of this technology in some vital sectors as health, tourism and communication, the Ministry of Communication and Technology is planning to launch a project to set up "The E-Government Gate" to help provide some services with the cooperation of several state ministries and institutions.

During the meeting of the Syrian-Lebanese Communications Committee, Syrian Minister of Communications and Technology Imad Sabouni underlined the importance of exchanging ideas, coordinating and implementing a joint strategy to improve communications services in light of the rapid developments in this field.

Assistant Minister of Communications and Technology Ahmad Basel al-Khashi said in a statement to SANA these registers include the civil, judicial, health and the real estate among other registries.

He pointed out that the Cabinet has asked all ministries to include the projects for building their own national registers and making them available for electronic exchange within the coming five-year plan.

Assistant Minister of Communications and Technology Ahmad Basel al-Khashi said in a statement to SANA these registers include the civil, judicial, health and the real estate among other registries.

He pointed out that the Cabinet has asked all ministries to include the projects for building their own national registers and making them available for electronic exchange within the coming five-year plan.

The document consists of three parts, the first of which identifies the E-Government general principles and concepts internationally accredited, the project influence on citizens and the essential factors required to perfect achievement of work in each phase and the conductors concerned.

The accelerated governmental measures taken by Syria indicate to the great attention paid by the Government to the information security and communications in light of the rapidly expanding use of automation in various sectors.