IT exports set to grow 50% to $1.40 billion in 2008-09

[Naveed Yaseen]

KARACHI: Pakistan software export are set to grow by 50 percent by the next fiscal year with the continuation of its policies for IT, Federal Secretary of IT and Telecom Ministry Hifzur Rehman said.

Talking exclusive to Daily Times in a three-day Information Technology conference and exhibition, ITCN Asia 2008, he said that the government has focused to develop sophisticated and most advanced IT parks in Karachi and Lahore.

Federal Secretary said the government has continued to implement its policies that boost growth in IT sector and create employment opportunities in the country.

“Pakistan’ exports have touched $1.4 billion according to the World Trade Organisation formula and it has the potential to increase manifold within few years,” he added. He said the government is expecting growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) this year.

On the occasion, Chairman Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA), Dr Muhammad Yaseen urged ICT providers to ensure the best telecommunication services to their customers and enhance their service quality, as customers satisfaction is most important in this era of competition. Dr Yaseen said that PTA is planning to launch 3G by end of this year and he emphasised all telecom providers to educate their customers regarding new technologies.

Chairman PTA said that there is friendly environment for foreign investors in telecom sector. The sector has witnessed encouraging investment that has made it possible to introduce latest technology.

He said that PTA’s role in this regard is very clear and due to deregulation policy six cellular companies are operating in Pakistan making it possible to provide telecom facilities on very nominal rates. staff report

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