The role of private sector in supporting sustainable development in Bahrain was showcased at a high-profile event in Kazakhstan.

The Astana Economic Forum 2015 was held under the patronage Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Bahrain was represented by eGovernment Authority chief executive Mohammed Al Qaed.

He discussed how information and communication technology (ICT) is used as a key tool in improving GDP growth.

The event assumed global significance as it brought together key stakeholders in the field of sustainable development under one roof for the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas and knowledge, as well as enrich the sessions by reviewing success experience of certain countries to benefit the participants.

Al Qaed said one of the key objectives of the National eGovernment Strategy 2016 is increasing active participation of both private and public sectors to ensure a better life for citizens, as well as increased partnerships with the private sector to boost ICT readiness.

“Through the support of entrepreneurship and innovation, the authority in co-ordination with the private sector, showcased its experiences with the Bahrain Development Bank and how they provided the necessary support through the provision of integrated services focused on training, consulting, development and financing and how they are turned into commercial projects at the cost of up to BD178,360 ($472740), an average of BD20,000 per project.

“The success of the new National eGovernment Strategy requires the presence of an advanced ICT environment to facilitate entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Al Qaed.

“That being said, the open data initiative was launched allowing the public to view open government data through electronic applications to increase transparency and participation between private and public sectors.

“In addition, the initiative allows us to prepare necessary reports and statistics related to development which is in line with the objective highlighted in the first national strategy.”

Al Qaed also highlighted the advanced level that Bahrain has reached in the field of knowledge exchange and market development as the authority has been working to promote the kingdom globally.

“This has been translated into reality through different conferences and exhibitions organised by the authority such as the Bahrain International eGovernment Forum and Bahrain IT Expo and more, making the kingdom a leading example for countries seeking the experience and approach.”

The forum was attended by presidents, heads of states, prime ministers and representatives of international and regional organisations, as well as representatives from the private sector.

In addition, a number of experts from various academic and scientific institutions attended the event with more than 3,000 participants from various parts of the world. - TradeArabia News Service