Named 29th Most Networked Nation of 134 Countries Surveyed
Doha - Qatar has advanced three places in the Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009 - to 29th. The annual Report, released by the World Economic Forum and INSEAD, is the world's most comprehensive international assessment of the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on nations' development and international competitiveness.
This year the Report surveys 134 developed and developing economies that account for more than 98% of world GDP. Last year's report included 127 countries.
The cornerstone of the Report is the Networked Readiness Index. In the 2008-2009 Index, Qatar moved up from 32nd place ranking among 127 surveyed nations in 2007-2008. The preceding year, 2006-2007, Qatar was ranked 36th. In 2005-2006, the first year Qatar was included in the global assessment, the country was ranked 39th.
The Networked Readiness Index examines how prepared countries are to use ICT in three areas: general business, regulatory and infrastructure environment for ICT; readiness of government, individuals, and businesses to use and benefit from ICT; and the actual usage of available ICT by these stakeholder groups. The Report underscores that good education fundamentals, innovation, and wide ICT access are key to nations' social growth and economic competitiveness.
"Since 2006, Qatar has jumped ahead in the Index because both the public and private sectors are dedicated to leveraging ICT to help Qatar achieve its leadership role in the global economy -- even as more competitor countries have been added to the survey," said ictQATAR Secretary General Dr. Hessa Al-Jaber. "But most importantly, our efforts are benefitting people of all ages and income levels throughout the country."
The only other country from the Arab region in the top 30 economies is UAE, ranking two places ahead of Qatar, at 27th. Denmark ranks first in the world, as it did last year. Portugal follows Qatar, at 30th place.
Qatar's government readiness and usage of ICT has witnessed this year a leap. The report indicated that Qatar is ranked 22nd in government readiness covering areas like government prioritization of ICT, government procurement of advanced technology products, and importance of ICT to government vision of the future. In government usage, Qatar is ranked 25th covering areas like government success in ICT promotion, availability of government online services, ICT use and government efficiency and presence of ICT in government offices.
ictQATAR's accomplishments since opening in 2005 include opening the country's mobile and fixed line telecoms sectors to competition, launching Hukoomi, the easy-to-use online gateway to government information and services, and implementing innovative programs to help students of all ages learn.
"With the exciting programs we have underway in ICT sector development, government, literacy, and telecommunications liberalization, we are confident ICT will continue to benefit all those who live and work here," concluded Dr. Hessa. "In May, ictQATAR will release a comprehensive landscape assessment that details ICT adoption sector by sector and examines its impact."
The report is available on www.ictqatar.qa.
- Ends -
For more information, please contact:
Fathy Kassem
Outreach Manager
Communication Office - ictQATAR
Phone: +974 4995343
Fax: +974 4995352
Cel: +974 5395730
Email: fkassem@ict.gov.qa
Website: www.ictQATAR.qa
P.O Box: 23264 Doha, Qatar
© Press Release 2009
