E-Retailing accounted for 7.23 per cent of the total value of retail trade in Bahrain which is estimated at $5 billion, said a report citing a senior minister.

This is the highest rate among Arab countries and also higher than the world average of 6.14 per cent, the Bahrain Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro was quoted as saying in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Dr Fakhro revealed this during his opening address at the seventh Gulf e-commerce Forum that got underway at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain.

Confirming the government's commitment to supporting all electronic businesses and investments that will upgrade the national economy and enhance the kingdom's role as a hub for trade and services, Dr Fakhro said the world has witnessed increasing interest in e-commerce as a result of development in information and communications technology.

The minister added that the Internet has created new ways and means of getting information and news, people-to-people communication, and facilitated purchasing and payments leading to the creation of e-commerce.

According to some indicators, Bahrain ranks first in the Arab world in adoption and use of information and communication technology.

"Internet usage has reached about 66 per cent in the Arab world and the kingdom has a leading position," the minister said.

Themed "E-commerce and the latest developments in technology," the two-day forum aims to highlight the GCC's key role in e-business and e-commerce.

Discussions are expected to centre around scientific methodologies, developing and modernising management in the public and private sector and legal aspects of e-commerce.

The forum includes sessions and workshops with experts from various Arab countries taking part.-TradeArabia News Service