Bahrain Economic Development Board supports United Nations bid to improve economic growth through e-Government

Manama, 23rd June 2013: Effective and inclusive e-government systems can have a transformative effect on a nation’s economy, is the view of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) as almost 600 delegates arrive in the Kingdom of Bahrain to attend the United Nations Public Service Forum 2013.

The Forum and Awards Ceremony titled, “Transformative e-Government and Innovation: Creating a Better Future for All” takes place in Bahrain over four days from 24th – 27th June.

H.E. Mr. Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: “Effective and inclusive e-government has the potential to increase a population’s proximity to Government and the services it provides, thereby making access to these services a much easier and more efficient process.

“We welcome the United Nations Public Service Forum to Bahrain so that we can share knowledge, best practices and work more closely with other countries across the region and other UN Member States. E-government solutions, ICT and innovation are critical to ensuring everyone in society benefits from economic development. The EDB is proud to be sponsoring the Forum, not only because it is a prestigious event, but also because inclusive economic growth is a fundamental component of Bahrain’s long term economic plan, Vision 2030.”

The delegates attending the Forum and the accompanying Awards Ceremony are drawn from 94 countries. The Forum is held this year under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain. Attendees are Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Ministers, and Vice Prime Ministers along with leading policymakers, experts, professionals and scholars.

The stated objectives of the Forum are for the increased knowledge of challenges and trends, best practices and tools; learning about concrete solutions to complex governance challenges and the adoption of good practices; sharing tools for innovation; high level networking; and a commitment and inspiration to better serve communities.

For more information on the UN Public Service Forum, please visit: www.unpsforum.bh

About The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is a dynamic public agency with an overall responsibility for attracting inward investment into Bahrain, and is focusing on target economic sectors in which the Kingdom offers significant strengths.Key areas of focus include manufacturing, ICT, and logistics and transport services as well as other sub-sectors. The Financial Services sector in Bahrain is particularly strong and the EDB supports in the continuing growth of the banking industry and key sub-sectors, including Islamic Finance, Asset Management, Insurance and Re-Insurance.

For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com; for information about Bahrain visit www.bahrain.com

Noora Abul, Bahrain Economic Development Board
Tel: +973 17 589 903
Email: internationalmedia@bahrainedb.com