Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani announced the launch of Qatar Smart Program (TASMU) with an investment of QR6 billion over the next five years to create a world-class digital infrastructure in the country at the opening of the fourth edition of the Qatar ITC Conference and Exhibition (QITCOM 2017) in Doha on Monday.
Under the auspices of the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, the three-day exhibition was inaugurated by the PM. The Emir also made a tour of the exhibition.
The fourth edition of Qitcom, under the theme “Qatar Towards a Smart Future,” focuses on the availability of services, solutions and smart applications for five major sectors in Qatar, namely: transportation, environment, health, sports and logistics.
The PM said TASMU would serve as a platform for the realization of a digital economy and a smart future.
The government would make every effort to finance the public and private sectors and enable them to develop necessary technological infrastructure, the PM said.
The PM also announced that Qatar Digital Oasis will be established to bring multinational companies, small and medium enterprises and research institutes under one roof to achieve the goal of digital economy.
Various digital initiatives taken by the government would contribute to the country's economy in a big way, the PM added.
"I would like to point out that TASMU along with other planned digital enterprises will generate about QR40 billion for the Qatari economy over the next five years. These initiatives will also accelerate the creation of job opportunities in the information technology and communications sector at a rate of 10 percent annually," the PM added.
Highlighting the role of trained human personnel in realizing the goals of a smart nation, the PM said, “Since 2013, we have supported about 10,000 Qatari specialist trainees. The state has also launched more than 1,600 electronic services related to all the segments of society."
Reaffirming the government's support to the private sector, the PM said, “The private sector can play a vital role in the development of knowledge-based digital economy in the country. The government is committed to support private sector firms by developing the necessary digital infrastructure in the country."
The government has provided an appropriate legislative and regulatory environment to enable government institutions and private businesses to benefit from the potential of a digital economy, increase production levels and enhance competitiveness, the prime minister said.
"The government would continue to guarantee the development of a vital infrastructure for the ICT sector, characterized by innovation, inclusiveness and security to achieve our vision that Qatar remains a model to be followed on a global level and a platform for innovative technology and entrepreneurs."
Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim Saif Ahmed al Sulaiti highlighted Qatar's achievement in creating a state-of-the-art transport and digital infrastructure.
Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Sheikh Saif bin Zayed al Nahyan were also present on the occasion.
QITCOM 2017 is Qatar's biggest digital event, connecting smart technology with international expertise, industry specialists, key government decision makers, innovators and entrepreneurs. It brings together a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders from the technology sector to exchange ideas and collaborate towards achieving the vision of a smarter Qatar. This year's edition includes around 70 public and private partners, 15 sponsors, more than 120 local and global exhibitors, and over 20 visiting international delegations representing global smart cities.
Qatar Tribune
7 March
