China to manufacture Mobile phone sets in Pakistan
Pakistan Times Business & Commerce Desk

ISLAMABAD: A Chinese company has evinced keen interest in manufacturing mobile phone sets in Pakistan to meet rapidly growing local market.

During a meeting with Minister for Information Technology, Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari here on Tuesday, a delegation from Capital Communications of China expressed its strong desire to participate in telecommunication industry development as an important player in future.

They also discussed avenues of mutual cooperation and to express their intent to participate in developing the de-regulated market of telecommunications in Pakistan.

The Chinese delegation said their company was manufacturing a large portfolio of telecommunication products ranging from terminal equipment, handsets, CDMA and broadband infrastructure components.

The company also evinced keen interest in manufacturing mobile phone sets in Pakistan to cater for a rapidly growing local market.

Awais Ahmad Leghari appreciated the strong interest expressed by Chinese company and welcomed their interest in Pakistan.

Untapped Market

He mentioned Pakistan offered a large untapped market for fixed-line and mobile access solution and welcomed their interest.

The Minister also spoke of the government efforts for the promotion of IT and telecom sectors, with particular focus on the expansion of internet and telephone facilities in the far-flung areas of the country.

He said the deregulation of telecom sector in Pakistan had opened up huge opportunities for foreign investment in Pakistan and even conservative estimates by agencies like the World Banks had put the investment figures at six to seven billion dollars for the coming five years. Awais said the government of Pakistan had a strong inclination in encouraging companies who wished to set up local manufacturing facilities and to use Pakistan as the hub for exports to other regional countries.

Transfer of Technology

He said technology transfer was one of the key priorities for telecommunication sector and efforts were underway for inviting foreign companies to invest in the country.

The Minister also appreciated the high level of commitment of Capital Communications to research and development activities and suggested that efforts to promote collaboration with institutions in Pakistan would be encouraged.●