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"Today represents the embodiment of the vast strides the eGovernment program has made since its launch back in May of 2007,"
His Excellency said.
"The success of the program is a success for us all. What we have achieved up to now, and what we have planned for the future will surely place Bahrain firmly on the map as a model for simple convenient eGovernance, one of the characteristics of developed nations worldwide.
This will undoubtedly attract an inflow of foreign direct investments that will contribute to economic development in the country, in line with Vision 2030's objectives of further raising the profile of Bahrain internationally."
His Excellency also extended his gratitude to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Committee of Information and Communication Technology, whose guidance and support was invaluable in reaching this milestone.
"We have gained a wealth of experience since the eGovernment strategy's commencement in mid 2007, and this occasion adds to our resolve to complete the eService plan and execute the overall strategy as per the timetable," His Excellency concluded.
The eGovernment program has quickly compiled a long list of milestones and achievements, having previously launched or executed the eVisa system, ePayments by credit or debit card on the eGovernment National Portal, eGate system at Bahrain Airport, Enterprise Architecture Project, Bahrain International eGovernment Forum, eGovernment Excellence Awards and Arab eContent Awards, and the various service delivery channels such as the mobile gateway and common service centers.
So far, 23 eServices are available through mobile phones, with 10 more set for activation before year's end. As for the common service centers, four have been inaugurated so far, located in Bahrain Post's centers in Sanad and Budaiya, Muharraq Mall, and Capital Mall. 11 more centers will be operational in Q1 of 2010.
Furthermore, a number of MoU's and agreements have been signed with local and international organizations from the public and private sector to help implement pioneering technical programs and initiatives of the highest quality to the Kingdom. Bahrain increased its presence in several regional and international organizations concerned with ICT - such as the United Nations - which has given the country credibility and a reputation for excellence.
Several countries have been in touch with Bahrain to transfer its successful ideas and initiatives abroad.
"There is plenty of room for growth, and next year will be a very busy year as we work towards reaching the 200 eService target through the four main service delivery channels: eGovernment National Portal (Bahrain.bh), mobile gateway, national contact center, and common service centers," His Excellency added.
Taking it by the numbers, the eGovernment National Portal has thus far attracted 18,000,000 visitors who have conducted 121,000 financial transactions amounting to BD8,000,000 through the Portal.
CEO of the eGovernment Authority in Bahrain Mohammed Al Qaed welcomed those in attendance and said the event was held to honor all those who contributed to reaching this point, whether directly or indirectly. "We have progressed quickly in a relatively short period of time thanks to our collective efforts and united mindset committed to the success of the eGovernment program vision on time for and serve the end users," he stated.
He further said that the eGovernment Authority conducts regular surveys to gauge its progress and overall awareness among the general public regarding the eServices to ensure their effectiveness, noting that the eGovernment strategy itself was a result of study conducted to register the requirements of citizens, residents, visitors, and businessmen.
"Our aim is to provide eServices of the highest quality possible that meet the requirements of the eGovernment strategy. The various surveys such as the customer satisfaction index and eGovernment readiness index give us the feedback and insights we need to give customers what they want in innovative and simplified methods."
Al Qaed went on to say that ministries and other government agencies boast a wealth of national IT talents. These individuals, according to him, played a key role in bringing these services to the public through the different service delivery channels and transforming them into a one-stop shop for all eGovernment services.
"I extend my sincerest appreciation to everyone who contributed to and supported the eGovernment program. I am sure that we would have fallen far short of our goals if not for the collective perseverance and sheer determination to succeed, and we will move forward to achieve the vision of the eGovernment strategy for 2007-2010 of offering exceptional service to our customers through an integrated government," he commented.
Back in January of this year, the eGovernment Authority formed work groups in each ministry and government agency to expedite the transition to eServices. Currently, 27 such work groups are in operation.
The groups support the ministries and assist them complete certain technical processes and requirements, facilitate the execution eGovernment programs and initiatives, strategic planning and resource support, help design, develop, and launch eServices, and liaise with the eGovernment Authority to provide staff e-training.
The eGovernment Authority has garnered worldwide attention thanks to these and other initiatives and programs it launched since its inception.
The Kingdom currently ranks among the leaders in the UN's eGovernment indices, and is considered a regional leader in this field, thanks in large part to the directives of the country's leadership and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Committee of Information and Communication Technology.
Posted by Nadeen El Ajou
