Bahrain's eGovernment Authority (eGA) and the Malaysian government are exploring mutual co-operation in eGovernment and information and communications technology (ICT).

This follows a meeting between eGA chief executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed and Malaysian Ambassador Ahmed Shahzan Abdulsamad at the authority's premises in Muharraq, reported the Gulf daily News, our sister publication.

During the meeting, Al Qaed pointed to the efforts carried-out by the ambassador in enhancing the bilateral relations between Bahrain and Malaysia; as well as the country's witnessed development and progress under the reign of His Majesty King Hamad, praising the advanced Malaysian expertise within the ICT sector.

Al Qaed and Mr Abdulsamad discussed the aspects of collaborations and benefits from the Malaysian experience - specifically in the eGovernment field - and knowledge exchange between both countries.

They also discussed Malaysia's achievements in obtaining an advanced position in the latest United Nations Global eGovernment Readiness Report, visits exchange between both country officials which contribute in creating new investment opportunities and forming joint initiatives that open wider horizons for both countries at all levels.

The ambassador conveyed Malaysia's readiness to collaborate between both nations, exchange experiences and expertise within the eGovernment and other fields of mutual interest, while praising the efforts and initiatives of Bahrain in co-operating and preparing to transfer its successful knowledge in the eGovernment field by sharing with other interested countries to benefit from its leading experiences.

Al Qaed emphasised that the meeting is considered as the beginning of opening more doors for the Malaysian companies, interested in the IT sector, to enter the Bahraini market which would also achieve an increase in foreign investment - an objective that goes in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

The chief executive also provided updates on the authority's preparations for the Bahrain International eGovernment Forum and IT Expo 2014 - scheduled for April 21 to 23.

The forum would bring forward the most prominent IT sector advancements during panel discussions.

He also indicated that parallel events will be attracting more than 40 speakers from elite international speakers to participate in eight specialised workshops, and the expo's space was increased - comparing to last year - to accommodate 100 exhibitors this year. – TradeArabia News Service