A leading global investor in IT and power sectors has assured the Pakistan Computer Association (PCA) about expanding their operations in Pakistan to increase investment in manufacturing of equipment of IT/power sector in the country.
During a meeting between Munib Khawaja, vice president IT of Schneider France (Pakistan & Afghanistan), and the PCA delegation here on Sunday, Munib said that to achieve sustainable development, Pakistan not only needs to enhance its power generation capacity but also to adopt effective power conservation technology. By using effective technology, almost 40 percent energy could be saved and it would be the right answer to deal with power crisis in Pakistan as well.
While talking to the PCA delegation, the foreign investor said, "We have already made significant investment in Pakistan and we are ready to expand our operations as well as investment in Pakistan to improve effective use of electric power in Pakistan".
The PCA delegation, led by Munawar Iqbal, Central President of the Association, comprised senior members including Abdullah Malik, President PCA, Islamabad, Arshad Janjua, Furqan Murtaza, Mohammad Younis, Abdul Rehman Tahir, Asad Haider, Shahid Mehmood and Rashid ALi . Munib also said that APC is willing to help Pakistan to combat with energy related problems resulted by present flood in the country, which has destroyed infrastructure in many areas of Pakistan.
On the occasion, Munawar Iqbal presented an overview of energy crisis in Pakistan and said that the energy shortage in Pakistan has become a growing problem for economic growth and international companies should come forward to help Pakistan in overcoming energy crisis for smooth promotion of manufacturing and industrial activities.
He said that Pakistan was endowed with tremendous amount of alternative energy resources including hydro, coal, wind, solar, and waste energy potential. However, Pakistan needs effective power management systems to confront with the challenge of growing demand of the electricity. In this sector, he said, a combination of the capital & expertise of international companies with Pakistani potential in the sector would be a win-win equation for both sides.
Munawar briefed Munib about the potential in different sectors of Pakistan's economy including energy conservation sector and said that international companies like Schneider France should invest in these areas to earn lucrative returns.
Munib said that Schneider terms Pakistan as an important country to make new investments and it would initiate projects keeping in view the specific needs of Pakistan in energy sector. He said that the brand name 'APC' by Schneider is popular in Pakistan as is the case the world over. Earlier, Munawar presented a detailed outlook of computer and IT industry in Pakistan and the role of PCA for the promotion of this vital sector of the economy.
Munib appreciated the role of PCA and said that his company desires to work with Pakistani stakeholders in various sectors of the economy including IT sector. He said that Schneider would offer Pakistan university student internship and scholarships to provide them an opportunity to study in France and it would serve the purpose of transfer of technology in Pakistan. He said that his company welcomes suggestions made by the PCA in respect of effective power management in local industry.