Communications Minister Says ICT Contributes 1.9 Percent of GDP

Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai

HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai confirmed that the contribution of the telecommunications sector to the gross domestic product of the State of Qatar is currently 1.9 percent.

In remarks on Wednesday n the sidelines of the round table, organized by Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) for the information technology sector in Qatar, HE the Minister said that the sector is one of the state's priorities because of its impact on the rest of the sectors and the path of economic diversification, considering that the round table represented an important opportunity to communicate with the private sector based on knowing their views and needs to set future and strategic policies. He added that the ministry is working on developing an integrated plan with new goals to develop the field of communications and information technology (ICT), to be ready in the first quarter of 2023.

On the preparations for organizing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, HE the Communications Minister confirmed that the ICT infrastructure is almost ready, and work is currently underway on some recent services with the organizers.

In his speech in the round table, HE the Minister indicated that the State of Qatar has so far established a strong telecommunications infrastructure, in which the quality of performance and network coverage comply with relevant global standards, which enabled all residents and local companies to access high-speed mobile broadband and fiber-optic services, indicating that the support is provided to the vision and strategy of the telecommunications and information technology sector, and its acceleration process due to the pandemic, and the upcoming World Cup, but the ambition and capabilities exceed the horizon of these events.

HE the Minister pointed out that the ministry continues to set goals and develop policies to promote the growth of the telecommunications sector in the State, at the same time, it continues to develop and update strategies and policies aimed at providing innovative services, and adopting the latest global technology trends and innovations that will support digital transformation, smart living, and diversification of the local economy. He added that the goal through the strategies and policies is to develop digital use cases for smart Qatar and to re-design the Qatar Digital Government program to be more customer-focused and complete transactions completely digitally.

HE the Minister noted that Qatar is moving forward with its ambitious national agenda, through which the importance of the role of the information technology sector is becoming more and more prominent as an important enabling factor for economic growth, social prosperity, and environmental sustainability, adding that the ministry seeks to benefit from the achievements, capabilities, and resources currently available to enhance Qatar's attractiveness and competitiveness at the regional and global levels.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is undertaking various government initiatives to support the information technology sector to enable it to reach its full potential in the future, making Qatar a regional digital center, and among these initiatives are providing new job opportunities for the local industry, stimulating local and foreign investment, and developing the necessary digital skills by providing education and training. the Minister said, adding that there is a rapid development of a comprehensive national roadmap for the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of things, machine-to-machine technology, and blockchain technology.

At the conclusion of his speech, HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology stressed the need for direct communication with stakeholders, and with all actors in the information technology ecosystem to achieve the aforementioned goals and strategies.

The round table witnessed the presentation of a set of development initiatives and success stories of local companies. The CRA also provided an overview of the information technology sector and its current related initiatives, in addition to discussing the prospects for the local market with the participation of industry leaders in the State of Qatar and participants from the academic community.

(QNA)