Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday, appreciating Telenor's investment of over one billion dollars in Pakistan in the telecommunication sector, said it is manifestation of the commitment of investors in Pakistan's liberal economic policies.
Talking to Telenor's group President and CEO Jon Fredrik Baksaas here in Oslo, the Prime Minister said the Telenor's contribution to Pakistan's economy and its positive role in the society is exemplary. President General Pervez Musharraf in his recent visit to Norway visited Telenor's headquarters at Fornebu in Oslo and expressed similar views on the company's contribution.
The Prime Minister, during the meeting, which continued for one hour, said Telenor has a major role to play in further development of the telecom sector in Pakistan.
He said the telecom sector had seen a tremendous growth because the government had followed clearly thought-out reform agenda, allowing the private sector to come in and play its due part.
The Prime Minister said the telecom sector has attracted huge investments and has exhibited to the international investment community the immense potential that the Pakistani market has.
Shaukat Aziz also expressed his gratitude to Telenor for spreading and enhancing its investment from Norway to Pakistan and for drawing the attention of significant European investors to the huge investment potential of the country. The Prime Minister said the Telenor is well-placed in Pakistan. He said tele-density has been increasing in Pakistan and expressed the hope Telenor will further increase its activities.
President and CEO of Telenor Baksaas briefed the Prime Minister about Telenor Pakistan's achievements during its one and half year operation. He also thanked the Prime Minister and the government of Pakistan for extending support in creating an investment-friendly climate in the country.
He said Telenor's continued and significant investment in Pakistan clearly demonstrated the confidence the management has in the policies of the government of Pakistan and the deep rooted values of the people of Pakistan. About Telenor's vision for Pakistan, he said: "We believe that international investment is vital to the strong economic development of Pakistan."