BSA helps keep software piracy down in Qatar

Business Software Alliance, the international association established by the software industry to promote a safe and legal digital world, in collaboration with the Qatar Ministry of Economy and Commerce, has concluded a road show in Qatar which provided a comprehensive overview of the country’s strategy to combat software piracy.

“Qatar has performed considerably well in curtailing the spread of piracy across the country and our efforts have been instrumental in helping maintain the robust growth of the country’s software industry,” said Abdulla Ahmed Qayed, Head of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Office-Commercial Affairs Department, Ministry of Economy and Commerce in Qatar.

Also on the event’s agenda was a detailed analysis of the developments concerning Intellectual Property Rights and an overview of how Qatar has aligned its domestic strategy according to international policies. Qatar has been one of the top performing countries in the region against piracy as it posted a 2% drop in its piracy rate in 2006.

Qatar has one of the fastest-growing economies in the Middle East, and a major contributor to its vibrant economy is its strong IT infrastructure. According to a Madar Research report, Qatar‘s IT infrastructure has been recognised as the best in the Middle East based on the World Bank’s Knowledge Economy Index.

“The year 2007 has been very productive for our partnership with the Qatari Government. BSA is committed to further strengthen its ties with the government and other authorities to bring down piracy rates in Qatar and spread awareness of the several benefits of using genuine software, as well as the risks involved in the use and trade of counterfeit products,” concluded Jawad Al Redha, IPR Manager, Microsoft Gulf.