Doha, Qatar - November 16th, 2008: ictQATAR, the Supreme Council of Information and Communication in Qatar, is planning a number of measures to increase ICT usage in Qatar, according to Hessa Al Jaber, the Secretary General of ictQATAR.

In an exclusive interview in The Report: Qatar 2008, published by Oxford Business Group (OBG), the highly acclaimed global publishing, research and consultancy firm, she said that new strategies included increasing Arabic content online and providing support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Al Jaber said that although there has been a rise in internet penetration it was still low compared to the rest of the developed world.

She added that online content is a good indicator of progress because the primary catalysts for growth in Arabic content are offered through initiatives such as e-government.

"Our new government portal 'Hukoomi' has been the culmination of a great deal of research into what citizens should have easily available to them," she told OBG.

"The best way for us to measure the success and usage of our content is in the number of transactions recorded over a given timeframe, which we have seen rise greatly as content is added and new services are offered."

In addition to increasing Arabic content, Al Jaber said that ictQATAR has a strategy to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of SMEs. ictQATAR will create a legal framework to help SMEs invest in information systems, increase software and internet access to make businesses more efficient and conduct a series of seminars to increase SMEs' awareness about best practices on technology adoption.

The Report: Qatar 2008, the latest of OBG's annual business guides to the emirate, is rated as the premier guide for foreign direct investment into Qatar's vibrant economy.

The 270-page publication with an international distribution of 71,000 is published for the fifth consecutive year in partnership with Qatar National Bank for capital markets, Clyde and Co for legal affairs, and Deloitte for accountancy framework.  

The Report: Qatar 2008 is published for the fifth consecutive year in partnership with Qatar National Bank for capital markets, Clyde and Co for legal affairs, and Deloitte for accountancy framework.

Available in print form and online, it is part of the range of OBG's publications, which are renowned as leading sources of information on developing and emerging economies around the world.

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About Oxford Business Group
Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global publishing, research and consultancy firm. OBG publishes economic and political intelligence on the markets of the Middle East, Eastern Europe, North and South Africa, and Asia.  Through its range of print and online products, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of political, macroeconomic and sectoral developments, including banking, capital markets, energy, infrastructure, industry and insurance.

Written by a team of seasoned analysts, based on the ground for six months, the critically acclaimed series of economic, political and business reports have become the leading source of intelligence on the rapidly developing countries in the regions they cover. OBG's online economic briefings provide up-to-date in-depth analysis on the issues that matter for thousands of subscribers worldwide. OBG's consultancy arm offers tailor-made market intelligence and advice to firms currently operating in these markets and those looking to enter them.

© Press Release 2008