OMAN LAUNCHES E-GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000631 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARPI AND EB/CIP (AGIBBS) STATE PASS USTR FOR JBUNTIN COMMERCE FOR ITA COBERG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECPS ECON TINT MU SUBJECT: OMAN LAUNCHES E-GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. In an effort to further boost e-government efforts, the Sultanate launched its "eOman" campaign on April 15 through the unveiling of a new website, logo, and slogan. The government is raising public awareness of its e-initiatives in hopes of moving Oman increasingly toward a knowledge-based economy. End Summary. -------------- "TRANSFORMATION AND EMPOWERMENT" -------------- ¶2. On April 15, Econoff attended the official launch of "eOman," the government's campaign to raise public awareness of its e-initiatives. Under the new slogan "Transforming Oman, Empowering You," Maqbul bin Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, officially unveiled the new eOman website (www.itec.gov.om),which will serve as the main portal for information regarding Oman's e-government programs, as well as other initiatives designed to promote Oman's transformation to a knowledge-based economy. ¶3. Mohammed Nasser al-Khusaibi, Secretary General of the Ministry of National Economy and Chairman of the Information Technology Executive Committee (ITEC),highlighted government efforts to promote "Digital Oman." He remarked that a pilot project electronically linking four ministries through one network would eventually be expanded to include all ministries. In addition, Khusaibi noted that the government is evaluating proposals for an "Ubar Portal" to serve as a government electronic services gateway. Complementing this initiative, the government is working on developing an electronic national registry system, smart ID cards for citizens and residents, and a one-stop-shop for business registration. -------------- PROMOTING AWARENESS -------------- ¶4. Khusaibi commented that efforts are underway both within and outside the government to promote awareness of these initiatives. The Ministry of Civil Service, for example, will begin training employees on IT applications to enable them to deliver services electronically. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education will make available school computer laboratories after hours to conduct training programs for the public. GRAPPO