Minister Dr. Hassan Fakhro, who unveiled the e-gateway, said that such virtual facilities would essentially elevate the Kingdom's status as one of the most attractive destinations of choice for foreign investors.
The Minister underlined the importance of e-gate and other such initiatives and said that the vision behind e-government has put Bahrain on the world map as one of the technologically advanced countries.
"The launch of portal means there will be no barrier for any one to come forward and invest in the Kingdom by using the electronic gateway for getting commercial registration (CR)," Minister said.
"Bahrain is keen to have pioneering and outstanding e-services that enhance its profile as an attractive destination for investments, financial dealings and human experience.
The minister told Bahrain Tribune that the launch was in line with the Kingdom's broader the e-government strategy launched a few months back by Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa who is also chairman of the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology.
The launching ceremony was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) and attended by businessmen and government officials. Dr. Fakhro said, Bahrain, by putting its unique e-government strategy in place, has already entered into a new era of progress and development by elevating its status equal to the top five in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Under the national initiative, the Kingdom will implement nine key enablers over the period of the three-year strategy to augment the skill targets and overall sustainability of the e-government programme.
The Minister said the e-gate initiative would give an upper hand to the ministry over other ministries in developing and facilitating transactions and services provided to investors by offering the latest, modern technology.
He added: "The new interactive website offers information and accurate statistics on industrial and business records as well as investment opportunities and industry laws."
"The technique contributes to encourage investment to establish new concepts and different patterns of communication with the business community through the provisions of an electronic service aimed at facilitating procedures for government transaction in the minimum possible time. The ministry has always been prompt in appearing on the Internet through its location to define its service and laws," said Dr. Fakhro.
"The new launch provides a model for modern electronic services towards government strategy. The new electronic gate of the ministry provides radical solutions between minister and dealer in matters related to transaction.
"Therefore, it is the fast lane and an outlet for users to get acquainted with procedures and transaction procedures in a short time and minimal efforts."
Dr. Fakhro said, 28 important e-government services are already available on the national e-government portal, and over the next three years about 167 most important services will be made available on line. He urged all ministries, individuals, media and businesses to work together to make the e-government strategy a success.
Quelle/Source: MENAFN, 13.09.2007
