Bid to boost IT co-operation with OECD

Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) Amr Talaat yesterday met with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) secretary-general Mathias Cormann in Paris on Tuesday.

Talaat is on a three-day visit to the French capital to attend the Viva Technology (VivaTech) conference on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

VivaTech is an annual technology conference that brings together startups, trailblazers and investors to explore the newest digital innovations and leading experiences in the digital industry.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance co-operation between the MCIT and the OECD in various fields.

Talaat spoke of the role of the IT sector as a bridge to promote the organisation’s policies in the Middle East and Africa.

He also reviewed efforts by his ministry to participate in the organisation’s committees to set policies and draw up mechanisms related to a number of areas of technology.

During the meeting, Talaat affirmed Egypt’s deep appreciation for the important role played by the OECD.

He voiced his keenness to enhance co-operation between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the organization in the field of setting policies for technology and digital transformation and benefiting from the experiences of major economies in this field.

The OECD secretary general praised Egypt’s efforts within the framework of implementing the country programme.

Cormann commended the progress achieved in co-operation projects, especially those related to digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

The meeting touched on the efforts exerted to improve digital skills of technical school students, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity.

MinisterTalaat also held a meeting with Mrs Karen Jean, CEO of the global Teleperformance Company.

The meeting discussed ways to expand the company’s operations in Egypt.

Talaat reviewed the incentives and facilities provided by Egypt to stimulate investment in the outsourcing industry, within the framework of Egypt’s digital strategy 2030. He also reviewed efforts of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to provide a base of qualified personnel to meet the requirements of international companies operating in the outsourcing industry.

Teleperformance is a global company based in France providing digital business services with centres in 58 countries (six centres in Egypt).

Talaat also met Pierre Gilles Chantrieux, President of Nokia Networks France to review of the company’s latest technologies in communications infrastructure.

The two sides discussed ways to expand the company’s business and investments in Egypt in light of the availability of human resources and advanced infrastructure.

Talaat also toured the Nokia International Laboratories and was briefed on the technological solutions provided by the company in supporting digital transformation projects related to sustainability.