Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmad on Wednesday has welcomed the agreement regarding start of transmissions of Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC) Pakistan. Talking to the PTV from London by telephone, the Information Minister said the CNBC Pakistan would play an important role in projecting true perspective of the country in the emerging revolution of satellite channels.
To a question, he said the government was willing to allow more television channels to operate in the country, adding the CNBC Pakistan's transmission would be available to the viewers from the first quarter of next year.
An agreement has been reached between the CNBC Pakistan and Pakistan and Oman Investment Company, and Saudi-Pak Industrial and Agricultural Investment Company to provide financial assistance, according to a PTV report. Total cost of the project would be US 10.72 million dollars.
This would be the first international branded television channel, which would telecast news relating to Pakistan's economy, it added.
Pakistani Company, the Vision Network Television Limited would operate the CNBC Pakistan with the technical assistance of renowned American broadcasting institutes.
Investors are confident that the CNBC channel, which is being viewed in about 20 million houses across the world, would soon get popularity in Pakistan. While experts were of the view that these transmissions would help in luring foreign investors to invest in the country, removing all their reservations and mis-perceptions.
This improved financial reporting about the economic activities and country's financial affairs would have overall positive impact on the country's economy. In addition, this source of publicity would provide direct access to Pakistani products in international markets.