G20 ministers highlight importance of technology-driven economy

G20 ministers highlight importance of technology-driven economy

G20 ministers highlight importance of technology-driven economy

G20 ministers highlight importance of technology-driven economy

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G20 ministers highlight importance of technology-driven economy

Updated 23 July 2020

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JEDDAH: Improving access to the internet is a key step to achieving global connectivity and embracing a digital, technology-driven economy, G20 digital economy ministers said on Wednesday. It can also help global markets recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, they added.

During a meeting held under Saudi Arabia's presidency of the G20, they discussed ways in which digital technologies can mitigate the effects of the coronavirus crisis, and help businesses become more resilient against the effects of future crises.

The ministers highlighted the importance of the digital economy in efforts to achieve the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and discussed human-centered and trustworthy artificial intelligence, smart cities, data flows, security in the digital economy, measurement of the digital economy, and global connectivity. They also considered ways to effectively invest in emerging opportunities to improve living standards and encourage more inclusive societies.

"Digitalization has been at the heart of every transformational journey for creating wealth, prosperity, and competitiveness,“ said Abdullah Al-Swaha, the Saudi minister of communications and information technology.

"This year, we have agreed that in a post-COVID-19 world, (digital