Finance Minister attends international meeting

Washington, Apr. 15 (BNA): The Minister of Finance and National Economy, His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, attended a meeting with the Ministers and Governors of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington, D.C. Held under the theme "Technology and its Potential to Transform MENAP Economies," the meeting discussed how technological advancements are reshaping the global economy, and ways through which the region can capitalize on their benefits. During the meeting, HE Shaikh Salman noted that promoting the development and deployment of emerging-technologies is of paramount importance to achieving long-term development goals. In this regard, HE Shaikh Salman spoke of Bahrain’s extensive digital transformation that continues to enhance public sector efficiency, and provide promising investment opportunities. HE also spoke of Bahrain’s efforts in adapting to technology advances, which include the launch of a regulatory sandbox for Fintech companies, the introduction of a 5G network, and strengthening the digital infrastructure to promote cloud computing. HE Shaikh Salman went on to review key strategic technological initiatives, which include the national suggestions and complaints system ‘Tawasul’, an electronic communication platform that delivers citizens’ suggestions to various government entities; Sijilat, an online commercial registration system that simplifies business registration processes; and Benayat, a new streamlined process for issuing building permits. HE Shaikh Salman concluded by highlighting the essential role multilateral agencies play in the proliferation of emerging technologies, and underlined the importance of bridging the digital divide between all countries.