The UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has signed a collaboration agreement with the Department of Economic Development of Dubai (DED), for the aim of enhancing co-operation and co-ordination efforts in the field of joint national indicators of the Network Readiness Index (NRI).

The partnership deal was sealed on the sidelines of the recently-held Dubai International Government Achievements Exhibition.

This vital step reflects the importance of co-operation and co-ordination between the two parties on national indicators, said a statement from TRA.

The agreement is based on their keenness to enhance and strengthen relations through the establishment of a partnership agreement that maximizes the potential of their expertise and capabilities to raise the UAE’s results in the joint national indicator of the NRI.

It is also an implementation of the national agenda objectives to achieve a sustainable environment and integrated infrastructure, as well as working on indictors that achieve these objectives and positive results, it added.

The terms of the agreement include the formation of a joint working group between the TRA and the DED to achieve the NRI objectives, as well as working on the implementation of initiatives that enable the raising of sub-indices of NRI in the business sector, on which one or both parties have a direct effect.

The working group will develop working plans, strategies, and methodologies of information and expertise sharing within the scope of the agreement. The working group will also organize workshops and events that serve the objectives of the indicator, and provide information on key performance indicators.  

Majed Al Mesmar, the deputy director general of telecommunications sector in TRA, said: "The telecom  regulatory authority adopts a clear strategy to reach the top ten positions on international level in many indicators  related to the telecommunications sector by 2021."

"The NRI is one of the important indicators that are measured annually by the World Economic Forum, and includes 53 sub-indices. We have an international leading position in four sub-indices, which are: the government success in enhancing ICT, the ICT usage and the government efficiency, the importance of technology in the government vision, and the mobile coverage ratio for the population," explained Al Memsar.

"Collaboration and co-ordination with federal and local government entities is an essential part of our strategy to reach these targets. This agreement is signed with the DED in recognition of this approach and a step in the right direction towards achieving our aim. These efforts serve to enhance the UAE’s leading position in the region in attracting entrepreneurs and investments in various economic fields," he added.

Khalid Al Kassim, the assistant director general for economic affairs, Dubai DED, said: "This agreement is comprehensive and covers all possible areas of cooperation, it also enhances the efforts of both sides to create sustainable development and integrated infrastructure."

Dubai DED, he stated, seeks to provide a diverse and integrated range of innovative services in accordance with the business interest, in addition to providing all the services that meet the needs of investors and entrepreneurs.

"Signing this agreement reflects the keenness of the official authorities to work jointly and contribute to achieving the strategic vision aimed at enhancing the UAE position as a preferred investment destination," he added.-TradeArabia News Service