(Panamainfo)The government of Panama is working with Microsoft to make Panama one of the first countries to digitalize all government transactions.
This project was presented at Panama’s recent Competivity Forum Oct. 19th at the Playa Bonita Intercontinental Hotel.
The National Innovaction Authority aims to accomplish this by 2012. 50 million dollars have been designated for this project.
Even though Panama is a so-called underdeveloped country, this digitalization will increase efficiency and reduce corruption, enabling Panama to jump ahead in development.
Panama’s education system is also working with Microsoft to create online training for teachers, provide teachers and students with laptops and improve education in general- a critical intiative since Panama’s public education system is one of the weakest in Latin America.
The digitization of transactions will save the country an estimated 25 million a year.
Also, in 2011, the private sector will soon be able to make tax payments online- saving money by elimination countless hours of private sector time. Until now tax payments had to be made with certified checks.
The Martinelli government deserves congratulations for using innovation to develop Panama more quickly, more cost effectively and more effectively.