The Minister of Business and Trade H E Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani and QCCI Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani with Barwa Chairman Hitmi Ali Khalifa Al Hitmi, Al Kahleej Bank Chairman and Managing Director Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal bin Thani Al Thani and other officials during the launch of the Electronic System for Public Assemblies Management and Organisation at the St Regis in Doha yesterday. (Salim Matramkot)
DOHA: The Ministry of Business and Trade, in association Barwa Real Estate, will introduce an electronic system to manage the general assemblies and boards of directors of public and private companies in the country. The Department of Companies Monitoring at the ministry held a demonstration of the new system yesterday.
The handheld device (pictured) with a keyboard of the size and shape of a mobile a hand set can be used for voting and express the board members and company shareholders opinion online. The decision to introduce the e-system is part of the new company law.
The Minister of Business and Trade, H E Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, said the introduction of the new system is part of the ministry’s ongoing reforms to create a business-friendly environment in the country in line with QNV 2030.
The new commercial law that is undergoing final touches contains a specific article that mandates to harness the advancement in technology to enhance the country’s business environment. This e-system is in line with this decision, he said.
Using the new gizmo, the attendees of a company annual general assembly or board meeting can text their comments and in questions. The questions and comments will be shown to the panel on a confidence monitor. The panellist can answer the questions as they see it. This can also be used to exercise their votes in the assembly.
By using the new system, the members who are unable to attend the meeting can also register their opinion from outside the conference hall.
Salem Salem Al Mannai, Assistant Director, Companies Monitoring Department, said the department officials are attending the general assemblies of over 400 companies. The officials are spending a minimum three hours in each meeting. The new system will reduce their stress.
Abdulla bin Abdul Azeez Al Subai, Deputy Director, Barwa Real Estate said that Barwa would use the new system at its next general assembly scheduled for next month.
The Peninsula
