BUSAN KOREA ( BMZ REPORT )
“Our vision for the policy is very much aligned with Connect 2020 theme of ITU. In fact, we have already started practical implementation of some of our plans that are entirely aligned with this joint vision”. This was the core message Minister for IT Anusha Rehman delivered through Pakistan’s Policy statement at the ITU Plenipotentiary conference in Busan Korea. She also reinforced her commitment for using ICTs for the purpose of youth development and particularly women empowerment, a key strategic theme being adopted by the ITU in its connect 2020 program. “Carrying forward our previous commitment to the cause, Pakistan renews its focus to make ICTs major source of empowerment and development for women in coming five years. We will continue to actively participate in Union’s activities in this space” she further elaborated in her address. Her address was widely acclaimed by the Ministers, dignitaries and telecom sector leaders present at the moot. Full coverage of the address can be found at
(https://www.itu.int/webcast/link/nXqUYmPf/fl/01:06:06).
While on the sidelines of the conference Minister held bilateral meetings with Korean officials from MSIP and particularly Exim Bank of Korea for long term investments into technology parks and infrastructure. Her counterparts acknowledged that there are good conditions for partnership between Pakistan and Korea, and assured to extend help and cooperation to MoIT for requisite investments and to consider further help in establishment of manufacturing facilities and for the growth of IT companies in Pakistan.
Further cooperation on multilateral fora, to achieve the common objectives of developing nations, featured particularly in her bilateral meetings with the attending dignitaries including Dr. (Mrs) Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communication Technology of Nigeria; Mr. Fred O. Matiang’I, Minister of information, communication technology of Kenya; Dr. W Mlambo, Deputy Minister for ICT, postal and courier of Zimbabwe; Col Panji Kaunda, Deputy Minister for Transport, Work, Supplies and Communications of Zambia; Mr. Jean Koulidiati, Minister for Development and ICT of Burkina Faso; Mr. Tharcisse Nkezabahizi, Minister of ICT of Burundi; and Mr. Mohamed Lemine Ould El Mamy, Minister for ICT of Mauritania.
Her commitment to the cause of ubiquitous ICT development was also well appreciated by world leaders during the various receptions held by the delegations of the administrations attending the conference.