February 27, 2006 - Sheikh Tariq Bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, said: "Studies and research show that technological development is one of the primary aspects investors consider when assessing where to spend their money.'

He added: "The Department has made good progress in delivering and offering the best service to our clients. As a consequence of the technological enhancements that have already been made, we have seen an increase in the issuance of new trade licenses and a general improvement of the application procedure. The result of this has led to an increase in local and foreign investment and a corresponding general economic improvement of the Emirate as a whole. We consider this technological enhancement drive as a critically important step in the augmentation of improvement across our entire infrastructure.'

As part of this initiative, the Sharjah Economic Development Department has signed a contract with Bahwan CyberTek; an organization already renowned for successfully implementing the latest technological tools into various other businesses and institutions across the region. This agreement will incorporate completing the Department's electronic transformation, in addition to complimenting the services that they already provide to their customers.

Sheikh Tariq, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, signed the agreement in the presence of Mr. Ali Bin Salim Al Mahmoud, General Manager of the Economic Department and Mr. SV Sriram, President of Bahwan CyberTek, following 6 months of competition from other companies vying for this project. The technological overhaul is estimated to be complete within the next 12 months.

'This agreement will help the Department clients to become active partners.' said Sheikh Tariq.

'Additionally this signifies in essence, a complete renovation of our Department; from the website, which includes a licensing and trade names system, an inspection system, a human resources system, and a counting fees system, to the implementing of a multiple employee system which will apply the latest information technology in all the procedures and documents. Of course this will increase our speed and productivity efficiency through the employing of these technologies.' Sheikh Tariq said.