Page 60 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2023

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Iraq's Ministry of Communications Holds Talks with SpaceX to Introduce

Space-Based Internet

Iraq's Minister of Telecommunications, an official press release said on Saturday. Baghdad to discuss the details of
Hiyam al-Yasiri, met with representatives "Al-Yasiri met, for the second time, with introducing space-based internet service
from SpaceX to discuss the introduction representatives from the global company, to Iraq," the ministry said. "During the
of space-based internet services in Iraq, SpaceX. The representatives had visited meeting, the technical and security designs
of the project were discussed, as well as
the mechanism for providing citizens with
internet service, in line with the Ministry's
aspirations to upgrade the level of services
provided." Al-Yasiri expressed the ministry's
keen interest in offering the service at the
lowest possible prices compared to what
SpaceX offers in other countries. Al-Yasiri
shed light on the ministry's vision for the
security measures and legal procedures
that must be adopted in the project before
signing contracts with the companies
willing to provide this service, according to
the statement.

Saudi Arabia Partners with Egypt and Turkiye on Digital Economy

In a bid to promote collaborative ties in the 2030 plays a pivotal role in bolstering the
digital economy, Saudi Arabia’s minister leadership and competitiveness of the
of communications and information nation by empowering youth and women
technology held talks with counterparts and establishing a sustainable future
from Egypt and Turkiye on the sidelines based on technology and innovation.
of the G20 ministerial meeting in The Saudi minister underscored that the
India. These discussions reflected the digital economy has the potential to create
Kingdom’s commitment to fostering future jobs and new business models
international partnerships in the realm of yet highlighted the global challenge of
digital transformation, the Saudi Press approximately 2.7 billion individuals
Agency reported. Abdullah Al-Swaha’s lacking internet connectivity and a demand
discussions with the Egyptian Minister for 4 million data scientists and 4 million
of Communications and Information cybersecurity specialists. He referenced
Technology Amr Talaat revolved around initiatives that narrowed the digital divide
strategic projects promoting youth, women in Saudi Arabia and three other G20
and entrepreneurship. Additionally, as nations to just 1 percent. Discussing both countries’ partnerships in digital
stated by the Egyptian Ministry, there was Saudi Arabia’s digital achievements, Al- research and innovation. Additionally, it
a shared emphasis on the importance of Swaha noted that the country succeeded reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional
enhancing bilateral cooperation in critical in connecting 99 percent of its population hub for technology and innovation. The
areas such as communication infrastructure to digital infrastructure. During the visit, Kingdom is an active member of the
and submarine cables. Moreover, Al- the minister also signed a cooperation G20, shaping digital policies and leading
Swaha’s meeting with Turkish Minister of agreement on digitization and electronic several initiatives to drive global efforts
Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih manufacturing with India’s minister for in bridging the digital divide. According
Kacir centered on opportunities to enhance railways, communication, electronics and to the International Telecommunication
collaboration in emerging technologies, information technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw. Union, it holds advanced positions within
support entrepreneurs and boost the digital The agreement aims to enhance Saudi- the G20, ranking second in the amount of
economy, as outlined by SPA. Al-Swaha Indian cooperation in digital infrastructure, radio spectrum and digital infrastructure
reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia’s Vision e-health and e-learning while strengthening readiness.

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