Yemen to crack down on illegal software

The Business Software Alliance (BSA) said it has received assurances from Yemen industry players that every effort will be made to implement software copyright protection.

This follows a first ever visit by a BSA representative to the country. Regional director, Jawad Al Redha, held a series of highly positive meetings with key government officials.

All demonstrated a keen interest in protecting software copyrights, in order to support the development of the information technology sector in the country, and place it as a serious player on the regional business scene.

"With a population of more than 15 million people, Yemen is a serious contender in the region, and an important market for us and for our members.

The aim behind this visit was to tell the government that the BSA is here to assist in promoting a healthy and stable economy through the protection of copyrights," said Al Redha.

The visit will be followed by more, that will enable the BSA to learn more about the Yemeni market, as it consolidates its relations with executive and regulatory bodies in the country.

"Illegal software anywhere in the market affects the Yemeni economy; and vice versa, illegal software in Yemen brings about consequences in other countries. We are here to establish cooperation with everyone, so that the IT industry in every country is given the chance to flourish and contribute to the growth of the Middle East market as a whole," said Al Redha.