Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – In a speech at an information technology event in Suleimaniya, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani highlighted the pace of development of information technology in the Kurdistan Region.

He said, “Information technology is the future of Kurdistan. It can provide job opportunities for youth while the traditional market is not able to provide such opportunities for the graduates of universities and institutes”, stressing that “not before long, Kurdistan will need experts in information technology in both public and private sectors”.

Deputy Prime Minister Talabani noted that “we have started digitalizing the ministries and the way we function within our government”. He pointed out that “the biometric system, which has recently been adopted by the KRG, is a key step for a strong infrastructure. In the future it could include all the citizens and provide services and health insurance”.

He stressed that such task “needs more specialized IT staff. When we digitalize the taxes, the private sector should adjust itself with it and avoid using the system of register books and use digital systems instead, and then the government and private sector easily can compare their works”.

He also highlighted the role of education and higher education in general developing students IT skill.

Regarding the Kurdistan Regional Government’s new cabinet, he said “We hope that the new government will have good relations with the Iraqi government, I am optimistic that we can move beyond the crises. I hope the new cabinet, whoever runs it, will focus further on technology and infrastructure”.