RAK calls for greater cooperation in IT, GIS

Hyderabad, Aug 15 (UNI) Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Government Advisor Hashem Ar-Refaei today called for greater cooperation in the field of Information Technology (IT) and Geographic Information Systems(GIS).

Addressing the press here, Dr Ar-Refaei said a high-level delegation was in India to foster international cooperation between India and the Emirate of RAK (part of the UAE) and promote business cooperation in the IT and GIS areas.

The delegation held several meetings with the representatives of Indian Government and IT companies and RAK was looking forward to attracting Indian expertise in the fields to bridge the digital divide and leapfrog to the top position.

Stating he was impressed with talent pool in cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad, Dr Ar-Refaei said his government would provide all facilities to companies desirous of establishing their ventures in RAK Free Trade Zone. Already 800 companies from various countries are operating in RAK.

He said the government was also trying to increase the frequency of flights between RKA and Mumbai and other areas in India.

'In particular I am excited about the promotion of e-Governance technologies and relevant IT applications at a broad level, which is being adopted by the Government of RAK, I believe through effective private-govenment partnerships, we can deliver on this objective,' he said.

GIS Committee Chairman Muhammad Bul-hamam appreciated the tremendous progress of India over the past few years in the implementation of large scale remote sensing and geo spatial projects and said it was an inspiration and a role model worthy of emulation.

He said RAK government had agreed for long term cooperation with Navayuga Group in the field of IT and GIS.

UNI BR GM 1557