Govt aims to increase size of ICT industry to $20 billion: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has stated that his government aims to increase the size of Pakistani ICT industry to US $ 20 billion in next few years under the Digital Policy.

The PM was speaking to Sergi Herrero, Co-Chief Executive Officer of VEON, the parent company of Jazz Pakistan.

Chief Executive Officer of Jazz Pakistan Mr. Aamir Ibrahim, Chief Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Syed Fakhar Ahmed and Head of Digital Financial Services of Jazz Mr. Elias Yazbeck accompanied. Chairman Board of Investment Syed Zubair Haider Gilani, Chairman PTA Maj. Gen. (R) Aamir Azeem Bajwa, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Digital Pakistan Ms. Tania Aidrus and senior officials were also present during the meeting.

PM Khan appreciated the long association of VEON with Pakistan having US$ 9 billion investment and serving 60 million subscribers with multitude of services.

He highlighted that Pakistan has great investment potential in communication and energy sector. Government is focused on providing ease-of-doing-business with liberal investment policy which has been acknowledged by international financial institutions.

The Prime Minister stated that his government has launched “Digital Pakistan” initiative with the aim to provide a platform to the Pakistani youth become independent and drivers of economic growth.

He emphasized that a digital ecosystem with infrastructure and institutional frameworks for rapid delivery of innovative digital services, applications and content is being provided to the IT proficient youth.

Prime Minister Khan highlighted the key role of Telecom sector in the economic growth of the country being one of the highest tax paying sector and major foreign investment. Mr. Sergi Herrero thanked the Prime Minister and the government for providing competitive and transparent working environment for the telecom companies.

He informed that Jazz Pakistan has launched “Internet for all” campaign that includes affordable mobile phones with internet connectivity for social media, Jazz Cash and the Prime Minister’s Citizens Portal.

The provision of this service will help enable citizens to undertake economic activity at small & medium scale and will promote good governance. Mr. Sergi also appreciated the steps taken by the government to curb dissemination of ‘Fake News” and stated that fake news by creating uncertainty and fear are detrimental to investments.