Qatar boosts ICT standing

Proof of the country’s efforts to embrace information and communication technology (ICT)bearing fruit can be found in the *Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009: Qatar has moved three places up, securing 29th position.
The annual report, released by the World Economic Forum and INSEAD, is the world’s most comprehensive international assessment of the impact of ICT on nations’ development and international competitiveness.

This year the report has surveyed 134 developed and developing economies, which account for more than 98% of world GDP (gross domestic product).
Last year’s report surveyed 127 countries. The cornerstone of the report is the Networked Readiness Index. In the 2008-2009 Index, Qatar rose to the 29th place from the 32nd position among 127 surveyed nations in 2007-2008. The preceding period, 2006-2007, Qatar was ranked 36th. In 2005-2006, when Qatar was included in the global assessment for the first time, the country was ranked 39th.

The Networked Readiness Index examines how prepared countries are in the use of ICT in three areas:- n General business, regulatory and infrastructure environment for ICT
n Readiness of government, individuals, and businesses to use and benefit from ICT
n The actual usage of available ICT by these stakeholder groups. The report underscores that good education fundamentals, innovation, and wide ICT access are key to nations’ social growth and economic competitiveness. “Since 2006, Qatar has improved its standing in the index because both the public and private sectors are dedicated to leveraging ICT to help Qatar achieve its leadership role in the global economy - even as more competitor countries have been added to the survey,” said ictQATAR secretary-general Dr Hessa al-Jaber.
“But most importantly, our efforts are benefiting people of all ages and income levels, throughout the country,” she added.

The only other country from the Arab region in the top 30 economies is the United Arab Emirates, ranking two places ahead of Qatar, at 27. Denmark ranks first in the world, as it did last year. Portugal follows Qatar on the list, at 30th place. Qatar’s government readiness and usage of ICT has witnessed a leap this year. The report indicated that Qatar is ranked 22nd in government readiness. “Government readiness” covers areas like government prioritisation of ICT, government procurement of advanced technology products, and importance of ICT to government vision of the future. In government usage, Qatar is ranked 25th. “Government usage” covers areas like government success in ICT promotion, availability of government online services, ICT use and government efficiency and presence of ICT in government offices.
The ictQATAR’s accomplishments since its establishment in 2005 include opening the country’s mobile and fixed line telecoms sectors to competition, launching Hukoomi, the easy-to-use online gateway to government information and services, and implementing programmes to help students of all ages learn.

“With the exciting programmes we have underway in ICT sector development, government, literacy, and telecommunications liberalisation, we are confident ICT will continue to benefit all those who live and work here,” Dr al-Jaber said. In May, ictQATAR will release a comprehensive landscape assessment that details ICT adoption sector by sector and examines its impact.

Original article from : Gulf Times