DOHA - Leading experts addressing a workshop on knowledge-based economy here yesterday called for opening the information and communication technology sector in Qatar to full competition.
World Bank expert Kurt Lasen said that ICT is one of Qatar's strengths in developing towards a knowledge-base economy (KBE).
"The ICT-pillar is an easy one for Qatar. It already has a good foundation and a good understanding of the next moves", said Larsen.
According to Larsen, Qatar needs to open the ICT infrastructure to full competition at some point, but it can do it gradually by tailoring the speed with the demands of the society.
William Fagan, executive director of ictQatar argued that fostering a competitive telecom sector would benefit the whole society. However it must be done in a sustainable way, not overnight like in some neighboring countries.
According to Fagan, the benefits of open competition would include more choices and lower prices for customers, more opportunities for new technology companies.
"In creating an ICT friendly business environment, the creation of a knowledge economy is supported. It will also bring Qatar more investors and venture capital.
Qatar has no mountains, no rivers it has the wealth and the interest now it only needs implementation, and it's on its way to become a world-leader in ICT", said Fagan.
© The Peninsula 2008
