OREANDA-NEWS.  May 08, 2013. A round table talk, dedicated to implementing  international criteria for assessing information anc communications technologies (ICT) was held in Tashkent.

It was organized by the State Committee for communications, informatization and telecommunication technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan/UNDP joint project Local Governance Support: Participation and Partnership” and was attended by by representatives of ministries and agencies, international organizations, specialists, experts and scholars.

Chairman of the State Committee for communications, informatization and telecommunication technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan H.Mirzokhidov and others emphasized that Uzbekistan has taken consistent steps in mainstreaming information and communication technologies in all areas, in particular, in establishing an "electronic government" by providing the public and enterprises with interactive services via websites of public authorities and the government portal.

Defining prospective tasks in ICT and telecommunication technologies at the session of the Cabinet of Ministers, dedicated to the social-economic development in 2012 and the main priorities of economic program for 2013, President Islam Karimov noted that a special attention should be given to accelerating the development of the Concept and a comprehensive program for creation of e-government, including streamlining management processes, as well as the processes of providing public services to citizens and businesses, creation of the National System, integrating inter-agency and intra-agency information systems. This will not only improve the management of governmental institutions, but also the cooperation between the state and citizens, will enhance usability of interactive public services by citizens.

Information and communications technologies have been widely and consistently implemented in Uzbekistan to provide individuals and legal entities with online public services. Over 20 projects, related to e-governance have been realized at diverse governmental institutions. Currently more than 400 interactive governmental services are available at the Gov.uz governmental portal and other web-sites of the governmental bodies.

Introduction of e-government is expected to provide a complete transition to transactional services, excluding the need to visit different agencies and allowing direct communication with state officials. This will create additional advantages for the public.

The United Nations conducts biennial e-government surveys based on assessment of ICT rankings

It should be noted that the UN biennial rankings of the level of development of "e-government" in the world countries on the basis of assessment of the use of ICT in solving administrative and economic issues and introduction of advanced technologies in public services delivery.

- Development of an e-government system will further improve the quality of public services, provided by the government , said The UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Mr. Stefan Priesner.  - In Uzbekistan high results are attained in effective usage of information and communication technologies at governmental bodies, use of digital signature and electronic document management system. These are an important factor in strengthening the relations between the public and the government.

The UN report on e-governance noted that Uzbekistan rapidly implemented reforms to introduce elements of the e-government, in particular, is constantly improving the relevant legal framework and developing a government portal. At this stage implementing criteria to assess the development of e-government, learning from positive international experience, remains a key feature.

The round table also discussed implementation of international criteria of ICT development assessment in Uzbekistan, in particular, through the effective use of information and communication technologies in state bodies to further expand the use of electronic signature and electronic document management.