Bahrain's Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa has called for increased efforts by all to keep pace with advances in the field of information communication technology (ICT).

Shaikh Mohammed, who is also the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology chairman, was speaking as he formally opened an ICT Exhibition at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The two-day event, part of the Bahrain International e-Government Forum 2009, is being held under his patronage and is organised by the Bahrain Society of Engineers in collaboration with the Bahrain Internet Society and the Bahrain Information Technology Society.

'The Bahrain government is doing its bit to spread information technology literacy on both the local and regional level so that future generations can utilise them in the best manner possible,' Shaikh Mohammed said.

'Towards this end, we need to ensure that all the stakeholders are playing their part as well.'

He said the fact that a number of ministries and government organisations, which offer valuable services to the public, are participating is testimony that the event is a success and that Bahrain is on the right path.

He said the exhibition will help the government achieve its vision of fully integrated e-services and the linking of various ministries, government bodies and private sector organisations while placing those services within the reach of citizens, residents, businesses, and visitors.

'These efforts are designed to keep pace with advances in this field and to spread information technology literacy on both the local and regional level so that future generations can utilise them in the best manner possible.'

He said the increased number of participants and exhibitors this year is a clear indication that the e-government strategy is proceeding in the right direction towards a bright technologically-advanced future for Bahrain which offers a wide range of services for all.

Shaikh Mohammed and a number of senior officials later toured the various government organisations, ICT corporations and consultancies, sponsors, Arab e-content award winners and private sector companies on display at the exhibition.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials as well as officials from the United Nations and heads of GCC e-government authorities.

Oil and Gas Affairs Minister and National Oil and Gas Authority and Tenders Board chairman Dr Abdulhussain Mirza has praised Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, eGovernment Authority and all excellence award personnel following the board winning the e-government excellence award.-TradeArabia News Service