The 15th edition of the annual International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) ended on a positive note in Manama after three days of speeches, workshops and networking.

The event was held at the Gulf Hotel under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa from June 3 to 5. Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa also took part in the symposium which saw attendance from over 650 international delegates from the ICT regulatory authorities.

The world's largest specialised gathering of ICT policy makers, GSR14's aim was to stimulate debate, knowledge-sharing and exchange of best practice among regulators, industry leaders, government policy analysts and other key information and communication technology (ICT) stakeholders.

The event was organised by the ITU, in collaboration with the hovernment and was chaired by Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) chairman Dr Mohammed Al Amer.

"It would be impossible for me to list all the positive outcomes that have transpired over the past few days, but one particular aspect of that attracted a great deal of interest was the concept and execution of Best Practice Guidelines," Dr Al Amer said.

"This year it was Bahrain's turn to co-ordinate the contributions that are focused on consumer protection in the digital world."

ITU secretary-general Dr Hamadoun TourŽ was lavish in his praise for Bahrain's hosting of the event and its success.

"Nowhere is the important role played by the national ICT regulator better illustrated than here.

"Bahrain can be very proud that it is among the leading nations worldwide for ICT access and its modern telecommunications network, and deep understanding of the concepts and execution of regulatory policy.

"Bahrain has a very competitive market for ICT services, with low prices by both regional and global standards," he added.

The 15th edition of the symposium will take place in Gabon, Africa, in 2015.-TradeArabia News Service