Optimise Digital Economy: Ali
Foster an environment of trust and collaboration between governments, regulators, the private sector, and civil society, the Government said yesterday at the 23rd Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Policy and Regulatory Forum.
Permanent secretary for Trade, Co-Operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, Shaheen Ali called for robust policies and regulations to create an environment that boosted the confidence of stakeholders, particularly in the private sector.
“Our collective security and prosperity rely on our ability to adapt, collaborate, and safeguard our digital ecosystems,” he said.
“To tackle these challenges effectively, we need strong and clear digital and cyber security policies and regulations that protect critical infrastructure, promote innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies, and safeguard the rights and interests of individuals.”
Fiji suggestions
Mr Ali called for greater footprint of APT in the region.
“In the Pacific, our voices are not heard,” he said.
“We believe that small island and developing states (SIDS) require continued dialogue, technical assistance, and capacity building to ensure that we are not left behind.
“The APT can play a vital role in advocating, mobilising resources, and partner agencies as well as our private and bilateral partners, to have a more focused role in the Pacific.”
Forum chair Ilyas Ahmed said despite geographical challenges, the demand for ICT services matched that of the rest of the world, if not, greater.
“Our challenge remains in connecting and providing digital services to those in isolated rural and maritime areas,” he said.
We need strong and clear digital and cyber security policies and regulations that protect critical infrastructure, promote innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies. Shaheen Ali Permanent secretary for Trade, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications