Deputy King emphasises importance of a fully integrated eGov infrastructure to provide high quality services
The Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, today inaugurated the Fast Track Lounge project at the Information and e-Government Authority headquarters in Isa Town. The inauguration coincided with the launch of three other projects, including the e-Government Kiosks project, the revamped National Complaints and Suggestions System “Tawasul”, and the new smart card collector machines.
During the ceremony, His Royal Highness emphasised that the Kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, has pioneered the improvement of public services to deliver more effective government services across all departments. His Royal Highness added that the Kingdom endeavours to provide fully integrated e-Government infrastructure in order to provide high quality services to citizens and residents.
In this regard, the Deputy King highlighted the importance of developing the Kingdom’s ICT sector in accordance with international standards, and His Royal Highness reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to developing the ICT sector, noting its important contributions to achieving the government’s wider development goals. The Deputy King also said that streamlined administrative procedures and an interactive approach to public services, which embraces innovation and creativity, would increase Bahrain’s overall competitiveness.
The Deputy King then commended the efforts of the Information and e-Government Authority to develop the Kingdom’s ICT sector, adding that automated public services and the integration of government processes was in line with the directives of the Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
His Royal Highness praised the Kingdom’s international and regional achievements in the ICT sector, which demonstrates the high calibre of Bahrainis working in the sector.
His Royal Highness noted the significant contributions made by ICT services to the Kingdom’s economy, particularly the facilitation of investment opportunities through accessible and quick services. His Royal Highness underlined the importance of striving towards a fully integrated e-government gateway of government services.
The Deputy King then expressed his appreciation for the efficient and effective work of the Information and e-Government Authority, particularly in light of the recent merger of the Central Informatics Organisation and e-Government Authority, wishing them success in implementing future projects.
His Royal Highness was then given a tour of the Fast Track lounge – the first project launched following the merger – and briefed on the services it offers, including the issuance and renewal of ID cards without appointments.
The Deputy King was briefed on the recently updated e-Government Kiosks project, which provides various channels of online payment for a wide-range of government services. His Royal Highness also received a briefing on the public awareness campaign around the online government services that were created to ease processing times for citizens and residents.
The Minister of Interior, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa also attended the inauguration ceremony
