H.E. Minister of Information and Communications Technology Dr. Hessa al-Jaber.
Picture: Jayan Orma)
JosephVarghese/Staff Reporter
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani opened the World Conference on International Telecommunications (ITU) 2014 at the Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday.
The opening ceremony was attended by a number of ministers, heads of diplomatic missions, senior officials in the telecommunication sector and experts from regional and international economic firms. The ITU 2014 held under the theme ‘Future in Focus’ will come to a close on10th of this month.
HE the Prime Minister said that Qatar's hosting of the ITU 2014 reflects the importance that the government of Qatar gives to telecommunications and the technologies as technological development is viewed as a significant part of Qatar National Vision 2030.
He added that technological development contributes to building a knowledge-based society and for empowering the economy as telecommunications enable the various sectors for the sustainable development efforts in Qatar.
HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud al- Thani, chairman, Ooredoo Group welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of new generation of information and communication technologies. He also emphasised the need for delivering such benefits quickly and effectively and without unnecessary cost.
H.E. the Minister of Information and Communications Technology Dr. Hessa al-Jaber highlighted that several developmental activities in the ICT sector are undertaken by her ministry.
She explained “We are currently working on establishing a Digital Cluster in the Abu Fontas area. The focus will be on encouraging local and foreign SMEs to develop integrative solutions by harnessing the power of Big Data Analytics, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and other new technologies that will offer rapid and crucial solutions to developing sectors such as health, education, transportation, renewable energy and banking and tourism services.”
“We will continue to develop the investment climate necessary to build a vibrant ICT sector by developing a set of integrated policies, legislation and mechanisms to regulate the financing of emerging companies and attract academic and technical expertise.We will continue to implement the necessary programmes to increase e-commerce investments and encourage its use by consumers, businesses and government entities,” she added.
Hamdoun Toure, secretary general, ITU, highlighted the importance of ICT in the development of the whole society. He explained “ICT is the backbone of the infrastructure of all business in all fields. It offers several opportunities to shape up a potential scenario for the future.Adopting ICT, helps us in saving energy, saving money and saving time.”
The ITU official also highlighted his long term relationship with Qatar and with several officials in the country as he was addressing the last major conference of ITU in his capacity as secretary general. He was also honoured during the function for his contributions to the telecom sector as Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud al- Thani and Dr. Hessa al-Jaber jointly presented him with a memento.
