ISLAMABAD ( BMZ REPORT )
The status of development of the IT industry in Pakistan, the pace of adoption of the IT technologies and a vibrant market of 200 Million plus with a major youth component coupled with proactive policies of this Government present huge opportunity for global corporations like Google to have local presence in Pakistan. Minister of State for Information technology, Mrs Anusha Rehman stated this while taking to a high level delegation of Google Asia Pacific headed by Mr. Rajan Anandan VP and Managing Director South East Asia in her office today. The meeting was also attended by other officials of MoIT and Chairman PTA Dr. Syed Ismail Shah.
The Minister highlighted the initiatives being taken by MoIT including formulation of comprehensive Telecom policy, Electronic crimes Bill, and initiatives for IT enablement for women and girls and various connectivity projects for unserved and underserved areas and a well structured nationwide telecenters program. Also highlighting the specific focus of the Government on promotion of entrepreneurship in youth, she called upon Google to increase their engagement and presence in Pakistan to benefit from the immense opportunity. Provision of a clear-cut mechanism for Intermediary Liability Protection for international content hosting platforms provided in the PEC Bill and relevant clause of the Electronic Transaction Ordinance 2002 provide unambiguous support for localization of various Google services in Pakistan. Google representative appreciated all the developments and particularly efforts of the GoP for proliferation of broadband, promotion of innovation as well as the e-governance program and, these elements he indicated, had led to a more focused outlook for Google to do business in Pakistan through multifarious projects. Mr. Rajan added that the proposition of a well grounded engagement to increase Google’s presence in Pakistan is more viable than ever.
The Minister while apprising the delegation of the upcoming implementation of the Technology Park project also informed of opportunity for housing Google operations in the facility if Google decides to have full blown local presence in the Country. The Google representatives assured the Minister of the maximum cooperation for achievement of mutual objectives and that Pakistan will benefit from the changed strategic outlook of Google regarding pursuing business in Pakistan.