Bahrain 'Set to Become e-Government Leader'

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=297405

Bahrain's eGovernment Authority (eGA) yesterday announced the completion of its national strategy.

The strategy, from 2007 to 2010, involved completing 203 eServices being made available though various channels, Cabinet Affairs Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatala Al Khalifa told a Press conference at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.

He said this had been one of the eGA's most significant tasks accomplished.

"What we started three years ago has now been completed and various services are available on the e-government portal, the mobile portal, e-service centres and the national call centre," he said.

"This also results in significant savings to the government since e-transactions cost it only 90 fils as opposed to regular transactions costing BD3 ($8) to BD6.5."

He said the achievement also means Bahrain is well on the road to be an e-government leader committed to providing all government services that are "integrated, best-in-class and available to all through their channels of choice, helping the country transform as the finest to visit, live, work and do business."

Key e-g1overnment programme partners, including heads and members of working groups representing ministries and government entities concerned with e-transformation, were present.

Shaikh Ahmed said the eGA's efforts have been aligned with the collective ones of various government entities and aim to strengthen Bahrain's position on the world map of e-government.

He said the wide range of e-government services include payment, enquiry, general information, appointment, general complaints, posting suggestions, students' exam results and other services that are valuable for citizens and residents of all social and age groups, businesses and visitors.

"These services are designed to meet the requirements of all, irrespective of their age, income, or education, and no matter whether being students, doctors, lawyers, housewives or expatriates," he added.

eGA chief executive Mohammad Al Qaed said the programme is based on periodical research to measure customer satisfaction and level of awareness of e-services.

"We always try and figure out public requirements in an innovative and easy manner."

He said the awareness about e-government has increased from 25 per cent three years ago to 77pc for individuals, 96pc for the business sector and 100pc in the government sector.

"The usage of the e-government services also increased from 7pc to 47pc for individuals, 85pc for the business sector, and 92pc for the government sector," he added.

(http://globalmbreport.org/)