MOROCCAN KING: INFORMATION IS NEW ECONOMY'S PRODUCTIVE SECTOR

FROM YONG SOO HEONG

RABAT (Morocco), Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Information should be perceived as a
productive sector in the new knowledge and communications-based economy and not
just another of the common place consumer goods, said King Mohammed VI of
Morocco.

In his message to the 8th Islamic Conference of Information Ministers
(ICIM) here Tuesday, the Moroccan monarch said "information is the weapon of
modern times".

As such, he said the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) members have
to strive doubly hard to enable media in their countries to improve their
performance.

He said information on the objectives of the OIC required the formulation of
an objective, a constantly evolving message and the adoption of modern means of
communication.

It also requires preparation of efficient plans to enable the voice of the
Islamic world to be heard, the king said.

These objectives, he said, could be met only if OIC countries adopt an open
attitude towards modern information and communication technology, promote a
give-and-take interaction with advanced nations and protect the Islamic world
against negative influences.

"This is all the more relevant as some foreign media outlets often circulate
cliches on Islam and Muslims, fan the flames of fanaticism and extremism, and
undermine the spirit of dialogue and mutual understanding," he said.

King Mohammed said it was absolutely necessary to lay the groundwork for
bridging the digital gap between developed countries and OIC member states so
that "our citizens may gain access to knowledge, which is the gateway to
development, progress cooperation and joint action."

-- BERNAMA