Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa has commended the directives of His Majesty King Hamad, emphasising the importance of investing in technology and deploying modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, across various areas of comprehensive national development.
He also highlighted the support and follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for developing government services in information technology, contributing to the objectives of the National Strategy for Comprehensive Digital Transformation.
This came as Gen Shaikh Rashid, who is also the chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Committee, chaired a committee meeting, attended by members, including Cabinet Affairs Minister Hamad Al Malki; Sustainable Development Minister Noor Al Khulaif; Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro and Information and eGovernment Authority chief executive officer Mohammed Ali Al Qaed.
The committee discussed establishing a regulatory framework to protect electronic commercial transactions, enhancing the reliability of digital transactions, strengthening the confidence of individuals and institutions, protecting the rights of all parties conducting commercial activities through electronic platforms, and reducing fraud. Discussions also covered executive initiatives and co-ordination and awareness plans to develop a safe and reliable e-commerce environment in the kingdom.
It reviewed developments in implementing the action plan to attract global e-commerce platforms to Bahrain, which aims to strengthen its position as a regional hub for e-commerce and digital investment by leveraging its legislative, regulatory and logistical advantages and examining regional and international best practices. The plan seeks to attract global platforms and support the growth of the digital economy.
The committee reviewed key efforts and challenges facing implementation of the plan and directed continued co-ordination among the relevant entities to complete the necessary procedures and achieve the desired objectives.
It also reviewed the proposed Customer Journey initiative for Bahraini citizens, which aims to improve the citizen experience by integrating and organising government services according to different stages of life, thereby facilitating access to services and enhancing their efficiency and quality.
The first phase of the project includes preparing a comprehensive list of services related to childhood, education, employment and work, family care, social support, healthcare, and services for persons with disabilities, ensuring the delivery of integrated services centred on citizens’ needs.
The officials reviewed developments in the National Digital Economy Strategy and progress made in implementing its initiatives, as well as completed initiatives in preparation for their official approval.
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