Pakistan has urged the technologically advanced nations of Asian-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) to provide necessary assistance to the less developed countries in bridging the digital gap.
Pakistan hosted the 29th session of the APT, attended by 120 delegates from at least 28 member countries of the region here on Monday.
Addressing the ceremony, Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and President, Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT), Major General Shahzada Alam said that the role of APT would be enhanced in future, adding that in the region the countries like Japan, Australia, Korea, Malaysia and China are much advanced in terms of Information Communication Technology (ICT) development while others are still far behind. In this scenario, the role of APT in bridging the digital divide is crucial, he added.
He said that the General Assembly of the organisation has approved the 'APT Strategic Plan' and limits of budget for 2006-08 and the role of Management Committee (MC) is now far-reaching in implementing this Strategic Plan.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for IT & T, Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Secretary IT&T Farrakh Qayyum said that APT has played a leading role in garnering the support and finances of the more advanced members of the organisation in assisting those in need.
The Executive Director, APT, Amarendra Narayan, said that APT member countries have agreed to enhance their budgetary contributions by 5 percent, which would in turn enhance the functioning of APT.
The Chairman of Management Committee, Bistamam Abdul Rahman, said that some countries of the region had shown extensive growth in the telecom sector and Pakistan was one of them. He emphasised that APT must address all challenges ahead and should ensure collective efforts.
The MC would review reports on ICT Development Forum, APT Standardisation Programme, Wireless Forum and Work Programme of the Telecommunity. It would also consider the recommendations of member countries regarding ICT development.