Secretary Information Technology Department Sindh, Sualeh Ahmed Faruqui said that the provincial government will soon introduce Geographical Information System (GIS) which will not only help promote local investment but its data will benefit the world to get glimpse of existing potential in Sindh
Speaking at a seminar jointly organised by Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) with National ICT R&D fund on ICT application in Pakistan for the benefit of business, industry and masses, Sualeh Ahmed Faruqui said in present circumstances difficulties are increasing with the passage of time and growth in population whereas the pace of work on IT sector is not satisfactory. He said that there are lots of skilled workers in interior of Sindh whose skill can be utilised for boosting Pakistan exports.
He said that the department is collecting data of this skilled manpower. He advised the Chamber to help IT department in preparing these skilled manpower data. He also appreciated the Chamber efforts to hold the seminar and emphasised the need of holding more and more seminars on this topic in future.
He urged to formalise the trend and underscored the need to regularly organising of seminars with the interaction of federal and provincial ministry of information technology. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Executive Officer, National ICT R&D Fund, Dr Syed Aun Abbas said that the fund has been establishing in collaboration and support of all the telecom companies. He said fund has been released to around 50 projects besides providing funds to different universities for research.
He said that increasing use of mobile phone and internet has been changing life stile in Pakistan and general public is now more informed as compared to our ancestors. He advised participants to contact him for funding in case they have any project. He expressed that the Sindh government GIS and KCCI market excess portal are workable and beneficial projects
He agreed to cooperate and likely funding of the KCCI's project and the Sindh IT departments GIS portal project which will benefit in accordance with the specified funding mechanism. He also endorsed the formation of committee comprising of representatives from federal and provincial ministries of IT and KCCI. President KCCI, Mian Abrar Ahmad, has asserted upon the need to take the maximum advantage of the information and communication technology to explore market access of countries around the globe.
He also emphasised on the ideal linkage between the Industry and Academia and focused to promote entrepreneurship and encourage the youth to opt for self-employment. He also articulated that taking the advantage of ICT tools, the potential of skilled human resource in the rural areas particularly the artisans can be exposed to the international community.
He informed that the Chamber was making deliberations to link the academia with the industry and promote small and medium entrepreneurs and the youth. He stated that with the effective usage of information and communication technology, the regional business can be brought on the screen to enhance Pak exports.
He apprised that the objective of the seminar were to: to promote ICT Applications in Business and Industry of Pakistan, Create awareness amongst stakeholders on importance of ICT, Define framework for capacity buildings, SMEs, and Entrepreneurship, Add and improve the ICT Academic Facilities in Pakistan, Perform a Joint Commission of KCCI-National ICT R&D Fund and joint efforts for promotion of ICT applications, Identify ways to facilitate the Pakistan's Business Organisations, industries and academic institutions for expanding the usage of ICT in the traditional processes.
CEO, Super Technologies, Rehan Allawala said the projects which have been initiated should be completed and launched for the benefit of general public. He said that number of user of mobile phones has crossed 120 million whereas internet mobile are available at just Rs 7,000. He expressed that all the 46 chambers of commerce should be linked through network which will help business community in big way.