DUSHANBE, February 10, 2011, Asia-Plus - Successful introduction of e-governance system will promote economic development of Tajikistan, Peter Marvet, Technical Consultant at Estonia’s e-Governance Academy (eGA), remarked today during a training seminar at the State Committee on Investments and State-owned Property (GosKomInvest).

According to him, introduction of modern information and communications technologies (ICTs) was one of key factors promoting economic development and modernization of Estonia.  “Tajikistan ought to develop e-government.  Introduction of this system will improve access to information,” stressed the expert.  “This system will also reduce bureaucracy in government institutions.”

Experts from Estonia also acquainted the GosKomInvest officials with opportunities and priorities of use of ICTs in the public management process.

Estonian experts are currently conducting seminars on e-governance for Tajik officials.     

Estonia’s e-Governance Academy (eGA) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, founded for the creation and transfer of knowledge concerning e-governance, e-democracy and the development of civil society.  eGA train and advises leaders and stakeholders in using information and communication technology (ICT) to increase government efficiency and to improve democratic processes with the aim of building open information societies.  eGA implements that mission through research, training, consultancy and networking.

The e-Government Academy was started as a joint initiative of the Government of Estonia, the Open Society Institute (OSI) and the Regional Support Center of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).  Though eGA was officially founded in December 2002, activities started well before that time - already in late May of 2002, the first training and study visit was organized for top civil servants and parliamentarians from Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan.