'After finalizing the overall strategy of the e-government project, we have brought into focus in the second phase the development of the Financial Management Information System (FMIS), the standards and policies which the implementation of the project stipulates, and the overall decision-making structure within the e-government project management,' said Ghobash.
H.E. Khalid Ali Al Busatani, Assistant Undersecretary for Budget and Resources at the Ministry of Finance and Industry, said: ' The FMIS, being one of the most crucial steps in the second wave of implementation is a modern, comprehensive and integrated system that is capable of meeting immediate financial accounting and management needs. The system is designed to take full advantage of sophisticated communications infrastructures as well as Internet and intranet interoperability.' Al Bustani added that while the existing financial system was fully automated, it required enhancement in order to be fully integrated with the overall e-government project.
The steering committee reviews and approves e-government projects based on defined criteria and in accordance with the e-government blueprint. It also sets guidelines for effective implementation of e-government project phases as well as reviewing implementation progress.
The e-government programme implementation is structured in 'wave' stages whereby each wave has its own set of benchmarks, while several projects can work in parallel. The initiative was introduced as a tool to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the UAE Federal Government and is a key component in sustaining the country's competitiveness. It promotes greater transparency and facilitates the introduction of more liberal economic laws.
The e-government project is just one of four initiatives being driven by the Ministry of Finance and Industry with a view to creating greater efficiency and effectiveness in government operations. Total quality management, performance-based budgeting and executive training conducted in conjunction with Harvard University, are also being implemented as part of the government's high performance programme. The e-government project draws from the experience of other countries that have implemented similar programmes including those in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Quelle: AME Info, 02.06.2004
