The Bahrain eGovernment Authority (eGA) recently organized a workshop about an open data platform initiative for the ICT companies based in Bahrain in line with its efforts to enhancing transparent government work.  

The workshop comes as part of implementing the National eGovernment Strategy 2016 action plans and initiatives carried out in order to facilitate government formalities- allowing an open data - excluding the confidential and personal- accessible for the public that will contribute in attracting and promoting investment in the Kingdom.

This would be achieved by creating an appropriate climate for promising investments with sustainable and competitive advantages in line with the objectives of 'Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.'

Welcoming the delegates, eGA vice CEO Dr Zakareya Ahmed AlKhaja said the open and unified data platform initiative aims to offer easy access to all data published by several ministries and governmental entities, as well as contribute in supporting existing and new businesses.

In addition, the benefits of the available data are not limited to existing organizations only but to creative projects and commercial businesses which plan to expand or carry on their business in Bahrain, stated Dr AlKhaja.

"The profit will be through gaining benefits from the use of available data with easily processed and re-used formulas designed to serve their commercial activities in a competitive environment; as well as providing incentives for investments among companies and businesses," he added.

AlKhaja said the eGA was keen to have collaboration with the governmental entities on giving access of public data to the public, devising a strategy for open data in order to enhance transparency, as well as encouraging electronic involvement in accordance with the latest and best internationally recognized practices in this area.

"Access to the open data platform allows nationals and businesses to perform accurate research through gaining benefits from the availability of data, restructuring the data and using it to develop various services and products," he added.-TradeArabia News Service