Qatar's Ministry of Economy and Commerce inks MOU with BSA to strengthen anti-piracy campaign

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'Qatar has been making significant progress in eradicating software piracy and this has led to a substantial gain by the IT industry. Through our alliance with Business Software Alliance, we aim to further break new ground in 2008 and bolster our performance against software piracy,' said Mohammad Hassan AL-Saadi, Assistant undersecretary of the Qatar Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

The MOU calls for close collaboration between BSA and the Ministry of Economy and Commerce in Qatar for tougher enforcement of intellectual property laws, a crucial factor that will encourage foreign capital investment and enhance the development of Qatar's rapidly growing IT sector. Qatar currently enjoys one of the region's best anti-piracy ratings after it posted a two per cent decrease in piracy in 2006, while it was also recognized by the World Bank's Knowledge Economy Index to have the best IT infrastructure in Middle East.

'Qatar has strengthened the growth of its IT sector by intensifying its anti-piracy activities, which are critical parallel initiatives to its efforts to develop its IT infrastructure. However, piracy remains a threat that must be neutralized so the country can reach its full potential. BSA is pleased that the Qatari Government has remained vigilant and firmly committed to stamping out this illegal trade,'

said Jawad Al Redha, BSA Co-Chairman in the Middle East.

BSA has been at the forefront of global efforts against cyber crime. Its initiatives focus on educating consumers on software management and copyright protection, cyber security, trade, e-commerce and other internet-related issues. Established in 1988, BSA has programs in more than 80 countries worldwide. The alliance has been strengthening its presence in the Middle East, where the IT sector has been posting a record growth.

'The BSA will continue to encourage the global IT community, governments, consumers and the general public to help uphold a safe and crime-free digital society. Our partnership with the Qatar Ministry of Economy and Commerce is an excellent example of how collaborative efforts between the public and private sector can lead to an effective campaign against the illegal software trade,' concluded Redha.