The Ministry of Economy is strengthening its efforts to protect Intellectual Property Rights

The Ministry of Economy (MoE) has offered its full support in curbing illegal software distribution by upholding anti-piracy legislation directed at increasing private sector investment, technology transfer and economic growth for the region as realizing the importance of protecting IPR laws to increase economic growth.

Commenting on the initiatives, H.E Engineer Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz, Under Secretary Ministry of Economy-Planning Sector said,

"The Ministry of Economy is strengthening its efforts to fight the piracy menace, as our highly diversified economy is based on healthy and transparent industries and sectors. We are determined to maintain a healthy environment that is best suitable to develop and enhance the economy. By implementing tough anti-piracy laws and working in association with authorities is helping the UAE to achieve the full economic benefits of having one of the highest ICT adoption figures in the region that is internationally recognized."

Statistics from Madar indicate that the UAE's ICT industry is rapidly increasing predicted to be worth more than $941 million by the end of 2008. However, studies also reveal that the Middle East's software industry as a whole is still developing tremendously. The ministry of Economy has a vision of establishing the UAE's economy to become internationally recognized.

Jawad al Redha, Co-Chairman, BSA Middle East said "The ministry of Economy is one of the most active campaigners in the region and should be commended for its efforts in supporting these anti-piracy initiatives, as they are not only protecting a valuable source of economic revenue, but are also protecting thousands of jobs that are employed by the industry to make safe and legal software products. We are confident that the measurable benefits achieved through these anti-piracy initiatives will encourage other states from the region to show similar support,"

BSA regularly launches awareness campaigns throughout the Middle East, as reliable estimates suggest that governments worldwide lose millions in software revenue each year. Advantages of using original software are promoted in the campaigns, in terms of technical support, regular updates, computer performance, greater data security and economic benefits.

As rapid technological developments and increasing internet penetration are creating ethical issues regarding copyright issues, BSA has appealed to schools and universities to introduce Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) lessons and anti-piracy classes into the education curriculum.