Investment, Industry and IT Minister Austin Gatt has said that, in the coming weeks, the government will be issuing a call for tenders for the commissioning of new electronic services offered by the government.

Speaking during a visit to Malta Information Technology and Training Services Ltd, Dr Gatt thanked all the employees for their commitment, mentioning in particular chairman David Spiteri Gingell, who had previously also occupied the post of chief executive officer.

Dr Gatt said that MITTS had recently issued a call for tenders for private suppliers to lease out and maintain for five years computers that would be used in administrative offices and schools.

Such leasing out would enable the government to introduce the latest technology at the lowest cost, he said, and at the same time eliminate the use of out-dated computers.

During this month, another call for tenders will be issued to introduce a system of alliances with private suppliers that will accelerate the eGovernment process.

Dr Gatt said that between eight and 12 contractors will be forming this alliance with the government.