Doha, November 20 (QNA) - HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai emphasized that the State of Qatar is keen to enhance the digital environment that supports digital transformation by developing a specialized program to encourage foreign direct investment in the digital sector.

This program focuses on facilitating the necessary procedures to support emerging technology companies and providing incentives that contribute to attracting global investors.

This came in His Excellency's opening speech at the Digital Ecosystem Conference, hosted by Ooredoo on Wednesday under the theme "Legislation and Regulation to Drive a Successful Digital Economy."

HE Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai said that the legislative and regulatory system is being constantly developed in the State of Qatar, adding that the secure data law will be issued soon, which represents a new addition to enhance the regulatory and legislative environment. Through these efforts, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) seeks to open new horizons for economic growth, ensure the comprehensiveness of the digital system, and enhance the competitive position of the State of Qatar at the international level.

His Excellency added that MCIT is on the verge of a new and significant stage, through which the ministry seeks to achieve a qualitative leap in various sectors and to enhance a brighter and more prosperous future for Qatar.

His Excellency stressed that the Digital Agenda 2030 is at the heart of this transformation as a roadmap to accelerate digital transformation in the State of Qatar, a strategy to build a knowledge-based economy, reduce dependence on oil resources, and enhance Qatar's position as one of the world's leading countries in the field of innovation.

His Excellency said that this roadmap is the motivation and engine today for all the steps toward developing the digital infrastructure and facing the challenges of the digital landscape. He noted that the State of Qatar has allocated QR 9 billion (USD 2.5 billion) to achieve digital transformation programs through investment in emerging technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence. He added that these investments are the foundation on which Qatar builds its digital future. Recognizing the importance of cooperation, MCIT works side by side with industry leaders, academic institutions, and international organizations to ensure that the digital system in the country is flexible, competitive, and inclusive for all.

The Digital Ecosystem Conference discussed the latest developments in the field of digital innovation through the perspective of legal and regulatory frameworks, and focused on the challenges related to regulating digital platforms and services, and how policymakers can achieve a balance between the need for innovation, investment, and competition on the one hand, and protecting consumers and enhancing the welfare of society on the other hand.

Conference participants discussed a number of topics, including policy frameworks for digital platforms, cross-border data protection, and regulatory challenges posed by emerging technologies such as AI and 5G networks.

For his part, Ooredoo Group CEO Aziz Al Uthman Fakhroo said that he encourages conference participants to discuss new mechanisms that enable them to work together and cooperate to develop better regulatory frameworks and a better digital environment, enabling them to enhance innovation, protect their customers, ensure fair competition, and also advance the private sector and innovation.

In turn, Ooredoo Group Chief Legal, Regulatory and Governance Officer Hilal bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi said that through this conference, Ooredoo seeks to promote constructive dialogue on the most sensitive topic of the time, which is the digital environment and its pivotal role in building a successful and sustainable digital economy.

Together, we can overcome the challenges imposed by the rapid development of technology, he added.

The opening of the conference witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between Ooredoo Group and Qatar Insurance Company, under which the two parties will work to provide innovative insurance solutions to their clients.

(QNA)