BUSAN , KOREA ( BMZ REPORT )
While delivering country policy statement for Pakistan at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2014 in Busan Korea, the premier moot of world telecoms community, the Minister of State for Information Technology reiterated that the Government of Pakistan is fully appreciative of the recent developments in the field of Information and Communication Technologies and opportunities embedded therein for the people. As the role of the ICTs has evolved as an enabler of growth, our policy focus is to provide universal, affordable and equitable access to the people so that they can reap maximum benefits from the vide-ranging available opportunities worldwide. We believe that proliferation of broadband is the modus operandi to achieve all these goals.
She further highlighted that our vision for the telecommunication sector policy is very much aligned with Connect 2020 theme of ITU. As we embark on the next stage of our ICT journey the vision of our government is ‘Accelerated Digitization Ecosystem’ with special emphasis on ‘Bridging Broadband Divide’ to enable socio-economic development across the length and breadth of the country expanding the knowledge based economy and to spur economic growth. The government has accorded its highest priority to the development of ICT infrastructure and applications for the provision of quality services, education, employment opportunities, and women empowerment.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister held bilateral meeting with Mr. Choi Yanghee, Minister, Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Republic of Korea. During the meeting Minister of IT congratulated her counterpart Minister for the successful holding of the Plenipotentiary Conference and thanked the Minister for extending hospitality to the participants. The Minister presented a snapshot of major initiatives taken and to be taken in the Pakistan for the development of ICTs in the country. Minister for IT highlighted that cooperation with Republic of Korea will be beneficial for the realization of MoIT’s vision of extending broadband to every home, development of e-Government platforms, and applications development. The Minister of MSIP, Republic of Korea, appreciated the Madam Minister for bringing up matters of mutual interest. He acknowledged that there are good conditions for partnership between Pakistan and Korea, and assured to extend help and cooperation to MoIT in search for investment in establishment of manufacturing facilities and for the growth of IT companies in Pakistan.
In addition, Minister for IT also held bilateral meeting with the Mr Yasuo Sakamoto, Vice-Minister for Policy Coordination, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Madam Minister highlighted the potential investment opportunities in the field of ICTs in Pakistan. The Japanese Vice-Minister informed that one of the most important growth strategies of Japan in ICT is to further strengthen our partnerships in the field of ICT overseas, for the rapid technological innovation, which must be utilized for social development, and informed that many Japanese countries would like to venture in local manufacturing in Pakistan.
Bilateral meetings with Dr. (Mrs) Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communication Technology of Nigeria; Mr. Fred O. Matiang’I, Minister of information, communication technology of Kenya; Dr. W Mlambo, Deputy Minister for ICT, postal and courier of Zimbabwe; Col Panji Kaunda, Deputy Minister for Transport, Work, Supplies and Communications of Zambia; Mr. Jean Koulidiati, Minister for Development and ICT of Burkina Faso; Mr. Tharcisse Nkezabahizi, Minister of ICT of Burundi; and Mr. Mohamed Lemine Ould El Mamy, Minister for ICT of Mauritania, were the other main features of the day. Matters of mutual cooperation pertinent to ICT growth were discussed during the meetings. The conference continues with full participation of telecom industry leaders.