Driving Development with ICTs and the Internet Conference Kicks off in Dubai

    Abu-Ghazaleh: BASIS spreads the word on the need for more capacity building to increase participation and stimulate greater business investment

DUBAI--- October 17, 2007--- Under the patronage of H.E Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimi, Minister of Economy, UAE, the "Driving Development with [Information and Communication Technologies] ICTs and the Internet Conference" is to be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2007 at Etisalt Academy Hotel, Dubai.

The Conference is co-organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), E-Business, IT and Telecoms (EBITT) Commission, Business Action to Support the Information Society (BASIS), the Talal Abu-Ghazleh & Co. International (TAGI), the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Information Technology International (TAGITI) and the Union of Arab Chambers of Commerce.

During the event, crucial issues that face the ICTs sector will be underscored with a focus on the necessity of employing all possible tools to achieve economic development.

"Since its inception, BASIS has been participating in the formation of the UN-linked Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID), and attending high-level industry trade fairs and conferences," said Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chair, Commission on E-Business, IT and Telecoms (EBITT) who will be delivering the opening remarks at the Conference.

"BASIS spreads the word on the need for more capacity building to increase participation and stimulate greater business investment," he added.

Attending the Conference are representatives from regulatory and technical authorities, ICTs industry, major businesses and relevant ministries, heads of global ICT initiatives and technical experts from the region and around the world.

The ICC established BASIS in 2006 to act as the voice of global business in the international dialogue on how ICTs can better serve as engines of economic growth and social development.

EBITT has longstanding experience in developing policies and practical tools to enhance understanding among members of government and civil society of business requirements.