Manama: General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology, recently chaired a meeting of the committee attended by several key ministers and officials. The attendees included Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development; Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce; and Mohammed bin Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the Information and eGovernment Authority.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah praised the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, underscoring the significance of investing in technology and incorporating modern technologies like artificial intelligence into national development. He also acknowledged the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in enhancing government services in information technology, aligning with the National Strategy for Comprehensive Digital Transformation.
The meeting proceeded with the approval of previous meeting minutes and a review of prior decisions, followed by discussions on agenda items. A key focus was on establishing a regulatory framework to safeguard electronic commercial transactions, thereby enhancing the reliability of digital transactions and protecting the rights of all parties involved. The committee also discussed executive initiatives and awareness plans aimed at fostering a secure and reliable e-commerce environment in the Kingdom.
Additionally, the committee assessed the progress of the action plan designed to attract global e-commerce platforms to Bahrain, intending to position the Kingdom as a regional hub for e-commerce and digital investment. The plan leverages Bahrain's legislative, regulatory, and logistical strengths while examining best practices from around the world. The committee also evaluated key efforts, challenges, and required coordination among entities to advance this initiative.
The meeting also covered the proposed Customer Journey initiative for Bahraini citizens, aimed at enhancing the citizen experience by organizing government services according to various life stages. The first phase involves compiling a comprehensive list of services related to various life aspects, ensuring integrated service delivery aligned with citizen needs.
The committee reviewed developments in the National Digital Economy Strategy, the progress of its initiatives, and the status of completed initiatives pending official approval. Delayed initiatives were also discussed, with a directive for accelerated implementation. New initiatives were approved to develop digital identity, support start-ups, and update performance indicators to bolster digital transformation and technical skill development.
In closing, Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah expressed gratitude to the committee members for their dedication to communication and coordination, essential for advancing government services. The minister affirmed ongoing efforts between government entities and the private sector to achieve digital transformation goals and reinforce Bahrain's role as a regional ICT hub.