NEWS | Wednesday, 28 November 2007

SmartCity Malta raises country’s profile in Global ICT Industry

Malta has been pursuing a very active ICT strategy and the setting up of SmartCity Malta will enhance the country’s profile in this sense on the international arena, Fareed Abdulrahman, executive Director of the SmartCity brand worldwide, told a business conference at Hilton Malta. “SmartCity Malta will create the ideal infrastructure, support systems, environment and lifestyle for ICT and the people working in the industry.”
The conference, ‘Working Smart in a Globalised World – SmartCity and Participation in ICT Business’, is organised by the Economic and Management Consultancy Services Limited for advisers or suppliers to the ICT industry to understand better the opportunities offered by SmartCity Malta.
“The vision of SmartCity is to be the preferred business park provider for a global network of self-sustained townships to facilitate the creation of knowledge-based industries,” said Mr Fareed Abdulrahman. “SmartCity Malta fits perfectly in TECOM Investments’ global ICT strategy and it is an important hub to have in the Mediterranean region and to link the SmartCity concept with the rest of Europe.
“We are also confident that SmartCity Malta is a win-win for Malta to provide a unique value offering for ICT companies to invest; develop competences in niche ICT sectors; and be a near-shore centre for Europe.”
Mr Fareed Abdulrahman said despite its weaknesses like its limited domestic market, low economies of scale and small-sized local talent pool, Malta has strengthened its position by capitalising on its resources and value added, which include multilingual and qualified knowledge workers; EU membership; cost-effectiveness when compared to European standards; a government committed to ICT; social and economic stability; a safe and secure environment.
Elaborating on the infrastructure of SmartCity Malta, Mr Fareed Abdulrahman said the township will include intelligent buildings; ready-to-operate model, fully serviced office space; state-of-the-art ICT and urban infrastructure; high speed internet connections; data centres; disaster recovery centres, and land on long lease to set up customised facilities.
It also puts into practice the one-stop-shop concept, providing support services to help companies focus on their success, like government services; facilities management; hospitality; advertising; banking facilities and travel services. This is an already tried and positively tested method by users of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City that has netted very significant results for all concerned.
“SmartCity also operates on the understanding that its standards are respectful of nature and the human capital, therefore particular attention is given to the lifestyle and environment it offers,” said Mr Fareed Abdulrahman. “The project includes retail and recreational facilities with exquisitely landscaped public spaces; health clubs; healthcare facilities; educational institutions; day-care centres and meeting and leisure areas. All this facilitates a supportive pro-business environment, a balance between work and life, besides a prestigious work address.”