Greater emphasis on public and private sector partnerships investing in information and communication technology (ICT) deployment, will assist in the growth of Middle East economies according to Intel’s Regional Manager Government Affairs for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META). Speaking at a US Trade and Development Agency conference in Muscat, Oman recently, Abdulrahman Jarrar said that through establishing the right policy framework, and prioritizing investment in ICT deployment, governments in the region will help to improve the skills and abilities its citizens to compete globally.
“Investment in digital inclusion programs for citizens, SMEs, educational institutions, government employees and other sectors is essential to not only bring the region up to speed with the rest of the world, but also to allow it to compete globally on a level footing,” said Jarrar.
"Multilaterals have a significant role to play in enabling sustainability and scalability of such projects and should prioritize providing access to technology as part of their country specific strategies for the Middle East. “Partnerships between public and private sector are critical to the advancement of ICT deployment in the region and a collaborative effort between government, industry and local communities to increase assess to, and usage of ICT for all citizens is crucial.”
Speaking at the same event, National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, David Hamod added; “The NUSACC and Intel are exploring ways to increase awareness of the benefits that technology can bring to small and medium businesses in the Middle East and we believe that multilaterals, together with governments as the catalyst, have a principal role to play in the deployment and scalability of these projects.”
Jarrar highlighted the efforts Intel was making through its Digital Transformation Initiative for the Middle East, launched in 2005. This comprehensive, multi-year program expands Intel’s economic, educational, community and technology-related support throughout the region and is part of Intel’s long-term strategy to provide educational opportunities, job creation and critical IT support to local businesses and organizations to help stimulate the IT market and economic development throughout the Middle East. Partnering with multi-nationals like Intel, governments can use global technology expertise to help generate local innovation that contributes to economic development, job creation and sustainable business models stemming from the uniquely local cultures and leveraging local strengths.
“With economic liberalization and reform increasingly common, the Middle East is becoming an attractive investment destination. However, technological innovation, a more developed infrastructure, business-friendly government policies and a flexible and capable work force are the keys to further strengthening the Middle East’s investment appeal and having a dramatic and positive impact on the quality of life in the region,” added Jarrar.
“As governments in the region continue to increase their focus on developing science, engineering and technology skill-sets in order to better attract investments, Intel will provide the support and resources that will help enable this important technological and economic transformation. “These are the logical steps we take in building our business in emerging markets around the world. In fact, the initiatives we are undertaking through our Digital Transformation program are critical building blocks for further capital investments.”
© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
