The capital, Baghdad, hosted the activities of the “Iraq International Information and Communications Technology Exhibition and Conference ITEX”, the third session, which is organized by the Communications and Media Commission on the grounds of the Baghdad International Fair. Saleh Mahoud, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Banking Affairs, and his representative during the inaguration ceremony of the exhibition activities today, Sunday, said that “the conference provides an opportunity for cooperation between the public and private sectors, which encourages strategic companies that contribute to the development of a strong technological infrastructure. Organizing and activating such a conference and the services it provides is an urgent necessity, as the Iraqi government and the Prime Minister look forward to the importance of this event being an appropriate opportunity for discussions and exchange of experiences and ideas to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for our great people, which enhances
Iraq’s position as a pioneer in the field of digital innovation,” calling on all institutions and the private sector in charge of the conference to exploit the challenges as an opportunity to achieve success in future plans.
He added, “This conference comes at an important time as the Iraqi government seeks to achieve a clear vision on how to use technology to improve the quality of services and enhance transparency and community participation. Therefore, the government has realized, since the start of its duties at the end of 2022, the importance of the information and communications technology and digital sectors, as it has worked in continuous coordination with relevant local and international sector bodies to develop and support this sector and establish a modern infrastructure and foundation.” He explained, “The Iraqi government has taken a number of important steps in the field of information and communications technology, including the establishment of laws and regulations that provide an appropriate environment for investment in information and communications technology. These laws aim to encourage innovation and protect the rights of investors. The Iraqi government also pays special attention to developing the communicat
ions infrastructure, which includes efforts to increase internet speed and expand networks to cover more areas in our country.”
He added, “The government supports encouraging local and foreign investment in the information technology sector by providing banking incentives, including financial support for emerging projects in this field, and encourages the establishment of partnerships with private companies to accelerate technological development.”
Regarding the implementation of a national digitization plan, the advisor confirmed that, “The Iraqi government has developed national plans to improve digital transformation in government institutions, which includes digital platforms to provide government services to citizens such as registering documents, paying taxes, and submitting complaints, with the aim of facilitating procedures and reducing the time and effort expended, which facilitates citizen services and increases the efficiency of government performance.”
Regarding training and qualification programs, he noted that “the government provides training programs with the aim of qualifying youth and professionals in various fields of information technology, and also holds workshops and lectures to enhance digital skills.” In the field of supporting emerging companies, the advisor stressed that “the Iraqi government has paid special attention to supporting companies in the field of technology, as a number of platforms and efforts have been provided that provide financial support to encourage entrepreneurs to innovate and expand.”
He continued, “The steps taken by the government in the field of information and communications technology are important indicators of the trend towards sustainable economic and social development, as Iraq seeks, through these efforts, to confront the current challenges in this field while ensuring the enhancement of its competitive capabilities in the international arena,” stressing the Iraqi government’s readiness to make every effort and provide support to all local and international entities, institutions and companies in order to develop the information and communications technology sector, and considers this an essential part of the strategic plan for economic growth and achieving financial stability in Iraq.
Source: National Iraqi News Agency