ISLAMABAD ( BMZ REPORT )
Mr. Philip Barton, British High Commissioner to Pakistan called on the Minister of State for Information Technology Ms. Anusha Rahman here in her office today. Federal Secretary IT Mr. Azmat Ali Ranjha was also present in the meeting. Areas of mutual interest and cooperation between the two countries, especially in IT & Telecom sector, were discussed.
While referring to the recent visit of the British Minister for Cabinet Mr. Francis Maude to Pakistan and his subsequent meeting with the Minister IT, the High Commissioner said that Mr. Fracis highly appreciated the vision and efforts of Pakistani Government for the development of Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector and expressed willingness to further cooperate and collaborate in areas of common interest in the ICT.
While expressing her views Ms Anusha Rahman said that it was a meaningful meeting with the British Minister and we shared profound ideas related to the development of ICT in Pakistan.
The Minister said that Pakistan and UK enjoy strong cordial relations and UK government engagement with MOIT for enhancement of ICTs in Pakistan will further augment this bond. There are lot of opportunities and areas available in Pakistan, where we can collaborate effectively.
The Minister further added that Ministry of IT under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharief is committed to deliver on PML-N,s manifesto for the betterment of the people of Pakistan in particular the welfare of masses living in underserved and un-served areas of the country by using Information communication Technologies. Telecenters, technology parks, availability of left over spectrum, tech-city supporting start ups, are some of the key mile stones to realize this objective. We can collaborate in application development or other areas of common interest. We are going to establish a “Research and innovation centre” through ICT R&D Fund Company where we want to produce quality research of International standards with the collaboration of industry and academia. UK may join hands with us to make it work Minister added.
Finally the British High Commissioner agreed with the Minister IT to formulate a “mutual working Group” Which will be comprising of high commission and Ministry’s official. This working group will jointly work out the “priority areas” in ICT where; both the countries could collaborate and cooperate.
The High Commissioner appreciated the commitment of the present Government of Pakistan in putting the country on the path of technological advancement and assured the active support of his Government and BHC in the key potential areas of cooperation for the development of ICT sector in Pakistan.