Macedonian Society Embraces eGov - eSociety Conference November 29, 2007

The eGov Project's Deputy Chief of Party Jovce Plastinovski participated at the 3rd International conference e-Society.mk organized by Metamorphosis. This year's Conference focused on creation and provision of an environment for Inclusive e-Government and in that context eGov Project highlighted the positive acceptance of the Macedonian society illustrated with figures for usage of the e-Government applications.
Download the presentation here

Electronic Distribution of international cargo transport licenses - November 11, 2007

Around 700 representatives of transport companies who applied onlinefor this years' distribution of International cargo transport licenses, were guests at the 2nd public electronic distribution of licenses. The event took place on Sunday, November 11, at 11:00hours at Hotel Aleksandar Palace in Skopje.

"The eGov Project delivers another application that will provide Efficient, Transparent and Fair Government services", says Jerker Torngren, eGov Project Chief of Party. "The electronic system we have developed knows all information about your business which is necessary for the distribution of the licenses. It does not know more than that. It does not know any gossip. It does not know any "perhaps". It knows only facts. The system will take all this information into account and will not miss a single part when it selects who should get a license. You have been able to see all the information that exists about you. You have been invited to request changes if you did not agree with the existing information. And your requests have been properly dealt with. This is transparency. This is fairness. This is Modern Macedonian administration".

This year 936 companies were included in the electronic distribution of cargo transport licenses, done for the 2nd time through the electronic system. Equal chance to apply was given to over 3600 transport companies in Republic of Macedonia, by providing them with users' name and password access to their personal data in the electronic system.
Macedonian media reported on fair and transparent process, as well as on positive feedback from the users.

Automated allocation of cargo transport licenses - Press Conference - October 3, 2007

The e-Gov Project joined the Ministry of Transport and Communication at the press conference that promoted the electronic application for automated allocation of cargo transport licenses. Representatives of the e-Gov Project Mr.Jovce Plasitnovski, Deputy CoP and Mr.Goran Cvetkoski Project's and IT Manager presented the application functionalities and explained the process of applying.

Minister Mile Janakieski in his speech note: "By making the online process mandatory, we introduce absolutely transparency and we also liberate the process from human influence. What is most important from now on the companies do not have to spend time and money collecting documents that government institutions already have in their data bases".

The application process started on October 1, and will end on October 15, 2007. As of this year application for cargo transport licenses can be done online only and therefore the Ministry is running a number of informational activities as a support for the applicants. These activities include distribution of PSA's in daily media, distribution of information brochures prepared by the e-Gov Project and SOS Help line set within the Ministry of Transport and Communication. To read more about this application visit the e-Gov Applications page or click on this link

Macedonia to Host First Regional eGovernance Workshop - September 25-25, 2007

Government officials from the South East European countries plan on expanding e-government initiatives in the region

The governments of the SEE countries are undertaking a broad task of administrative modernization on their way to EU integration and development of modern market based society. Information and Communication technology (ICT) put to use in sophisticated e-government applications is clearly part of the solution. Given this potential for ICT advances to improve the region's development prospects, the Stability Pact, USAID and USAID's e-Gov Project jointly organized the first eSEE Initiative Workshop on eGovernance at the Aleksandar Palace Hotel in Skopje, Macedonia, on September 25-26. The event brought together over thirty key governmental decision-makers from the region to discuss best practices in the fields of eLeadership, eCustoms, eProcurement, eCommerce, eBiz, and eEducation in order to develop a roadmap for eGovernance implementation in the region.
The e-Gov Project supported by its local counter parts from Macedonian institutions such as the Ministry of Finance, Public Procurement Bureau, Public Revenue Office, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Civil Service Agency and the Customs Office, had a unique opportunity to present and share experience and successes so far of introducing e-government applications in areas of G2G, G2B and G2C. All applications developed within the project were presented on four big screens as well as with printed fact sheets and other info materials.
Mr. Jerker Torngren, Chief of Party of the e-Gov Project in his welcoming speech during the reception hosted by the e-Gov Project sad: "e-Government could also stand for engaged Government, a Government which is engaged and committed to improve its society by using ICT. Last week I participated in the 4th EU Ministerial e-Government Conference, held in Lisbon. It was very encouraging to see what can be done, what is being done, right now, across Europe. To develop new systems is easy. To change the mentality, to have people accepting an electronic version only, was probably by far more difficult. But it could be done thanks to a fully committed Government, the engaged Government".
Mr. Michael Mozur, Deputy Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, notes: "The speakers and discussion leaders at the eGovernance Workshop will include leading US and EU eGovernance experts. Thus, this workshop is a unique and exciting opportunity for high-level governmental decision-makers from all over the region to meet and to pursue eGovernance solutions with international leaders in this field."
Ms. Marcia Wong, the Director of the Economic Growth Office in USAID, adds:"We at USAID see e-Government as much more than modern ICT technology application. For us it represents a fundamental transformation of the Government's manner of operation, in order to create high quality services for citizens, businesses and public administration."
The workshop is a continuation of the activities of the Stability Pact eSEE Working Group and related broadband task force, which seek to integrate the region into the global knowledge-based economy through joint ICT and eGovernance strategies. Key approaches include regional benchmarking, focus on best practices and spurring the transfer of knowledge. The eGovernance workshop will also set the stage for the launch of the eGovernance Center in Slovenia, due to open in the fall of 2007.

This workshop was part the Days of ICT in Macedonia that continued with 5th SEEITA Conference of IT Businesses and Associations on September 27 and MASIT Open Days on September 28. The e-Gov Project supported MASIT in the organization of these events.

Apply Online Upgrade - Thursday July 26, 2007

The existing examination module, application module, registration of candidates and the back office module of the Apply online application were updated and two new modules: module for integration with the existing Learning Management System (LMS) and module for electronic notification, were developed.

The upgrade of the Apply online application will improve the services for the candidates who apply for state administration vacancies and it will improve performances of the CSA employees, who will be given even more modernized tool for conducting the employment procedure.

e-Budgeting - Modernization of the Process - June, 2007

The e-Gov Project and the Ministry of Finance presented the new system for electronic preparation and monitoring of the execution of the Budget of Republic of Macedonia.

During today's promotion of the electronic system to the budget users and media, the Minister of Finance PhD. Trajko Slavevski stressed that "The new software solution for preparation of the Budget is based on the actual needs of the Ministry of Finance and it is already put in function for the preparation of proposed Budget of Republic of Macedonia for 2008. We are expecting that the system will be providing us with significant improvements in the process of planning, creating and use of historical data bases; as well as with increased possibilities for parallel analysis of larger amount of data and preparation of indefinite number of simulations and reports".

This new electronic system will significantly improve the work of the Ministry of Finance. At same time, it will provide to the budget users a modern tool for secure on-line submission of the annual budget requests to the Ministry.

In this context, Mr. Jerker Torngren, e-Gov Chief of Project sad "One of the most frequently asked questions any international donor asks is the following; Will our actions be sustainable? Will our assistance be used and contribute to the development and well-being of the country also after we have left?
I'm personally convinced this e-Budgeting application will be sustainable and used in the long term perspective, to the benefit of the Republic of Macedonia. The dedicated support from the Ministry of Finance demonstrates the determination by the Minister to use modern technology to increase the efficiency of the budgetary process. The application will make the work of the civil servants by far easier and more accurate.
You can download his full speech here

	For the e-Gov Project, the people that are working with us in the partner institutions on development of the applicaions, are always seen as our greatest assets. Therefore, we are finding ways to honour this remarkable individuals who's actions and willingness to change the processes should be example to many others. The US Agency for International Development on the proposal of the e-Gov Project, has awarded Mr. Miroslav Jovanovic and Mr. Stefco Bozinovski, both from the IT Department of the Ministry of Finance, with Certificate of Appreciation. The Certificates were presented personally by Mrs. Patricia Rader, USAID Mission Director.
During the technical part of the presentation on "How to Use the e-Budgeting application" the guests from the budget/ government institutions used their chance to share their thoughts on the system as well as share positive comments for the presented features. More on the e-Budgeting Application

INTERNEWS - Fighting Corruption and Promoting Economic Growth via the Internet - May 10, 2007

Reforming ICT Policy and Delivering Effective Online Applications in Developing and Transitional Countries

(Internews Network and the Center for Democracy and Technology presented a panel discussion at CDT's offices in Washington, DC on May 10 on using the Internet to fight corruption and promote economic growth.

Governments around the world are eager to benefit from e-applications, yet 60-80% of e-government projects in developing countries fail. CDT and Internews have been implementing e-government and Internet policy reform projects in developing and transitional countries for six years. The experts on the panel described how to address policy and user concerns more effectively, based on practical experience. (More information)

The panel featured the following panelists and presentations:

• George Sadowsky, Executive Director for the Global Internet Policy Initiative (GIPI), a project of Internews and the Center for Democracy and Technology, and Technical Advisor to the Internews-implemented dot.Gov Project, “E-Government - Successes and Challenges – Delivery of Online Applications - Policy and Content.”
• David Sandukhchyan, Country Coordinator for GIPI in Armenia and Director of the Internews Center for Information Law and Policy, “Challenges in Implementing e-Government Solutions and Reforming ICT Policy in Armenia.
• Jerker Torngren, Chief of Party for Internews' Macedonia e-Government Project, “Improving Accountability and Transparency through e-Government Applications. (click to access the presentation)
• James Dempsey, Policy Director for the Center of Democracy and Technology (CDT), "E-Government Projects and Internet Policy in Developing and Transitional Countries – Lessons Learned."
  

Signed MoU for Electronic application for "social apartments" - May 4, 2007

Following the successful cooperation between the e-Gov Project and the Ministry of Transport and Communications with the electronic system for distribution of CEMT licenses, is continuing with today's signing of Memorandum of Understanding for application that will support distribution process of the so called "Social Apartments".

"Implementation of this electronic tool is adding to the list of proactive measures for fighting corruption and modernization of the services offered to the citizens and business community," highlighted Minister Mile Janakieski in his speech.

The e-Gov Project Chief of Party Mr. Jerker Torngren, added "From now on all available social apartments will be distributed by an automated electronic system that cannot discriminate between ethnical groups or gender and that cannot be bribed.". (photo: Minister Janakieski and Mr.Torngren at the signign ceremony)

INTERACTIVE MACEDONIA - The work can begin now - Signed Memorandum of Understanding - March 29, 2007

During the official signing ceremony organized at the Government Premises by the Minister of Information Society Mr.Ivo Ivanovski, the Government once again demonstrated their determination to proceed with advanced reforms of the public sector by implementing new e-Government services.

Interactive Macedonia is the most complex application the e-Gov project takes on so far. It is not only the development of software, and that might not even be the most prominent part, but the e-Gov Project has the support by the Government to go through all the related administrative requirements. Together with the USAID Business Environment Activity Project, each individual requirement will be carefully assessed and a number of them simplified for the business community.

"Why do we call this Interactive Macedonia? It is already possible for the business community to get information on line from the State Administration regarding a number of issues. The Interactive Macedonia, however, takes this a step further. These new applications will make it possible for the business community to also process their request on-line and get an electronic reply as well. The process will not only save time. It will be fair. It will be transparent. And without any extra costs to be paid anywhere for the service", stated in his speech Mr. Jerker Torngren e-Gov Project CoP.

Interactive Macedonia shall be developed in two phases. Phase one will work on implementing on-line processes for: distribution of import / export licenses; licenses for transport of goods and passenger; registration of employments. In Phase two the project will work on implementing a on-line process for company registration.

All this processes will increase the efficiency of the institutions included and at same time make the interaction between them and the businesses more efficient, transparent and time/money effective. Successful uptake of Interactive Macedonia will improve the image of Macedonia the soft of project that we hope will convince investors to choose Macedonia as their next destination for doing business.

The event was attended by representatives of USAID, e-Gov Project and as well by Directors of All Government Institutions included, as well as by a number of media representatives.

STUDENT BENEFITS' ON LINE - Signed Memorandum of Understanding - March 5, 2007

Skopje - The e-Gov Project and the Ministry of Education and Science have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for implementation of the electronic application "Student Benefits Online" opening a new way for students to obtain benefits on line.
"These kinds of projects are part of our strategic orientation and we shall stay open to new ideas and initiatives in this field as our strategic goal is producing human resources able to use all the possibilities that today's modern technology provides" stated in his speech Mr.Feuzi Xhaferi, Chief of Cabinet to the Minister of Education and Science.

Implementation of this e-Gov Project initiatives will help in achieving a more efficient and transparent management of the distribution of places in student dormitory, as well of the student grants and credits. This will be a positive example for the student community as well as for the Macedonian public in general. Also, the objective is to initiate the utilization of information and communication technology, to implement the adequate education and provide it throughout the country, to all citizens in equal measure.

e-PROCUREMENT - Let's talk about e-Procurment - Workshop - February 28, 2007

Skopje - The e-Gov Project in close cooperation with the Public Procurement Bureau organized a workshop where all the 12 contracting authorities so far registered and using the e-Procurement system, all represented on highest level .

The Minister of IT Mr. Ivo Ivanovski honored the group and during the meeting he sent a strong message that "the electronic public procurement is considered as a very important application for the Government, especially in their fight against corruption and non transparent behavior of public institutions in spending tax payers money".
The meeting was chaired by the Director of the Public Procurement Bureau Mrs.Mare Bogeva - Micovska during which she presented the activities of the PPB in the field of utilization of electronic procurement, including adaptation of new legislation on public procurement that will heavily support the system. The e-Gov Project CoP Mr.Torngren extended the offer for support by the e-Gov Team working on this application, and encouraged the present Mayors, Directors of public institutions registered to use the e-Procurement system more frequently.

Photo caption: Minister of Information Society Mr. Ivo Ivanovski and
the Director of PPB Mrs. Mare Bogeva Micova - Chairing the Workshop

Infinite Solutions presented the system upgrade and PPB made overview to the most frequent questions and answers.

ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGH TRANSPARENCY - 2nd Workshop, February 14, 2007

The e-Gov Project joined by the representatives of all 11 Partner Municipalities and ZELS attended the first presentation of the software - Accountability through Transparency. The group was very pleased with the final product and eagerly awaiting to have this valuable tool utilized in their Municipalities.

The software will be excellent communication tool between the Citizens, Local Government administration, the Mayor and the City Council. It will improve not just the transparency but also the efficiency having open communication between all parties.
Once we have the software installed, the Municipalities and the e-Gov Project will work closely on a campaign to encourage them ALL to use it.

Accountability Through Transparency - front page outlook