Information and communication technology (ICT) partnerships were explored between Bahrain and Japan during a key visit yesterday (September 4).

A delegation from Japan Information Technology Service Industry Association (JISA) visited the eGovernment Authority (eGA), said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

It was organised by the Economic Development Board and Bahrain-Japan Friendship Society.

eGA vice chief executive Dr Zakareya Ahmed Al Khaja and other senior officials showcased Bahrain's expertise in eGovernment to the delegates.

"We believe the potential of development and investment is great, particularly within the ICT sector," Dr Al Khaja said.

During the visit, eGA assistant director of policies, strategies and business processes re-engineering Ahmed Al Sawafiri made a presentation.

JISA representatives were briefed about the mechanisms adopted to enhance performance, effectiveness of work and the delivery of e-services to ensure that the eGovernment strategy is achieved and finalised by 2016.

The delegation was also briefed on the progress made by Bahrain in the delivery of e-services - attaining the level of developed countries in this field.

Al Sawafiri provided insights into a number of key projects carried out by the eGA as part of its national strategy.

This included the revamped national portal along with the (eKey) system seen as the first government system to provide a unified electronic identification and enable each citizen to use a single authentication profile and login to access government e-services.

The presentation also highlighted the Business Licensing Integrated System through which business registry will be handled as a one-stop service to set up businesses in Bahrain, in conjunction with all relevant government entities in relation to the commercial licences.

The visit was part of a Japanese business delegation that has held meetings with several officials and relevant business stakeholders. - TradeArabia News Service