The National Government Network being rolled out by ictQATAR will be greatly enhanced with the inclusion of more ministries and institutions by 2015. Qatar’s ‘single ICT backbone’ connects all government entities to each other through one network connection. The National Government Network has already improved the efficiency of government operations and services, thereby facilitating the dissemination of information and the exchange of documentation. Currently, 12 government agencies are connected to the network, including ictQATAR, the Qatar Statistics Authority, and the Ministry of Business and Trade. Over the next five years, ictQATAR will use innovative ICT applications to improve the efficiency and transparency of the government and provide new transactional and information services, supporting other government ministries and agencies in achieving the goals of Qatar’s National Development Strategy 2011-2016. “ictQATAR will also create greater awareness of these services and the benefits individuals and businesses can derive from using them,” a report on the ‘National ICT Plan 2015’ said. Supported by robust, reliable ICT infrastructure, ictQATAR is moving to enhance and standardise government operations through state-of-the-art tools that enable information sharing between government agencies and with their constituents. It is striving to modernise and expand government services to find new ways to interact and serve the end users. The construction of a ‘Government Data Centre’ is expected to begin this year, the report said. The establishment of a centralised data centre to house critical computer systems and associated components for all government entities will enhance efficiency and improve speed of access to information. The data centre will standardise and streamline operations and maintenance processes. It will offer services such as application operations, database management, data centre services hosting, IT management and support, and service desk. The national plan also envisages a ‘Next-Generation Government Payment Platform’, which allows government entities in Qatar to offer individual and business users the ability to pay for services online. By adding additional payment channels and improving customer service and support, the government’s payment platform will be easier to use and more widely accessible. Another plan is to offer next-generation government services, which will modernise the e-services of government entities to better respond to the needs of individuals, businesses, and other government entities. Among the targeted services are customs clearance and employment and recruitment services. Customs clearance service will be an automated and streamlined system, which will provide essential information to residents and businesses about customs clearance procedures. The result will be a customs clearance process that is more efficient and requires less paper, the report said. The official job recruitment site for Qatar is a high-priority initiative that will add value and transparency to the government’s recruitment process. The E&R e-services will save time, effort, and resources in identifying appropriate candidates to fill vacant positions. Valuable services will also be available, including résumé writing, career guidance and information about labor laws and regulations. Other services targeted in the next five years include building permit services, visa and residency services, consumer protection services, and housing, real estate, and land services. Gulftimes

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