An emerging leader in providing network infrastructure construction for e-Government projects for communities and municipal governments in China, China Expert Technology, has been awarded three new contracts to construct e-Government systems for three city governments.
The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), which is a member of the World Bank Group, has said that it would be supporting a new investment that will provide state-of-the-art telecommunications services in Afghanistan. The guarantee, which is of the amount US$ 76.5 million in coverage, will protect the investment against the noncommercial risks of transfer restriction, and expropriation.
Economics is one area where ICTs have made an impact. For example, IDRC-supported research has shown how mobile phones and Internet technology have increased the income-levels of Senegalese small-scale farmers and fishermen, by giving them reliable, up-to-date information on market prices, and strengthening their positions as they negotiated prices with buyers.
Well-run governments get better results out of their budget resources, according to a study by the World Bank titled ‘Fiscal Policy and Economic Growth: Lessons for Eastern Europe and Central Asia’. The study draws on quantitative analysis and case studies to confirm that more productive public spending, lower fiscal deficits, and greater reliance on non-distorting taxes can spur economic growth.
National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) is taking another initiative towards creating more awareness on Cyber crimes. Nasscom is talking with the Maharashtra director of prosecution to train 40 prosecutors every month.
The State Information Technology (IT) Mission has begun giving free computer training to Government employees. About 2,000 police officers in Malappuram district will get training in the first phase of the programme, being conducted here in association with Akshaya.
The National Telecommunication Commission (NATCOM) of Sierra Leone announced that currently, commission is developing a consumer-friendly programme and procedures to improve telecommunications services in the country.
The Bahrain Government has launched online payment facility for debit card users. The government has launched the eGovernment portal, www.e.gov.bh, which allows citizens to pay their bills through debits card.
The e-Procurement project [http://www.eprocurement.gov.in] of the Government of AP has bagged the prestigious UN Public Service Award for 2007.
The Central government in India is tying up with states to provide food coupons to ration-card holders, which is in line with what was done by Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva.
