ISLAMABAD ( BMZ REPORT )
Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh leading the delegation of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization, had elaborate briefing on various programs of the Ministry of IT&T here in Islamabad today. Minister of State for IT&T and Secretary IT received the honorable guest.
Mr Ghazaleh was apprised by the Minister that Government of Pakistan considers ICTs as key enabler to enhance productivity, transparency, and good governance for empowering the people thus, moving forward towards attaining the objectives set under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Minister underscored the vision of Government of Pakistan which is ‘Accelerated Digitization Ecosystem’ with special emphasis on ‘Bridging Broadband Divide’ to spur Socio-Economic Growth across the length and breadth of the country thus expanding the knowledge based economy.
The presentation encompassing the USF Co. activity particularly in the area of bridging digital divide highlighted that under the “Broadband for Sustainable Development Program” coverage of the whole of the population including all unserved areas is targeted by beginning of 2018. The meeting was also informed that the GoP has well structured and sustained policies and is carrying out mega initiatives in the areas of e-government and digital services, financial inclusion, women empowerment through technology, supporting affordability of broadband telecoms, support of entrepreneurship & innovation services and for providing world-class ICT infrastructure. The guest were pleased to learn that MoIT was well on track through tangible projects in all areas relevant to achievement of the SDGs and particularly appreciated skill development focused “ICT for Girls” program being undertaken at Bait ul Mall Women empowerment Centers, the education support program and the rural women handset subsidy program being initiated for women of the USF service areas..
The guests were also apprised about “National ICT Incubation Centre” which is a flagship entrepreneurship development program of National ICT R&D Fund Company of Ministry of IT & Telecom. The primary objective is to transform innovative ideas of talented young teams into viable and self-sustainable start-up companies by getting necessary training, mentorship and facilitation.
Several areas of bilateral cooperation among various entities of the MoIT including R&D Fund and Virtual University were explored. Keeping in view the expertise of TAG Org. in delivering comprehensive online professional certification programs and several areas of global development outreach of the TAG Org. two MOUs were also signed between the Virtual University and the National ICT R&D Fund respectively at a reception hosted by the Minister of IT&T. Speaking on the ocassion Minister as well as Mr. Abu Ghazaleh expressed the intent to closely work at professional level to tap each other’s expertise to achieve mutual goals of achieving the targets under SDGs. Mr. Abu Ghazaleh also expressed his organization’s interest to invest into the IT industry of Pakistan and to open more offices in Islamabad and Lahore. The dinner was attended by the top brass of both the IT and telecom industries who appreciated the achievement of the guest in global ICT arena and assured the Minister and the guest to work in unison to achieve the human and citizen development objectives.