Pakistani and Chinese sides to evolve strategic IT sector collaboration through E-Corridor supplementing CPEC. A high-level Chinese delegation led by Yan Lijin Chairman, China Investment Promotion Centre called on Minister of State for IT Anusha Rehman here on Tuesday to discuss matters relating to collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese public and corporate sector stakeholders in the areas of innovation, IT parks, electronic payments and other ICT services and infrastructure of mutual interest. Member Telecom Mudassar Hussain, MD PSEB Asim Shehryar were also present at the meeting.
While keeping in view the importance of the CPEC in establishing greater connectivity in the region, both the sides agreed to enable development of a range of initiatives in the ICT sphere to create an e-corridor to supplement the CPEC. The Minister apprised the delegates that Pakistan's IT & Telecom sector had lot of potential and "now we have to explore the ways to reap this possible mutual dividend from the tech sectors in an optimal way." She said "we believe in 'Digital Pakistan' and Chinese cooperation and collaboration will help us to materialise this vision of 'accelerated digitisation'".
On a Chinese proposal of enabling public private partnership and joint venture investment mechanism fully participated by the Chinese IT and innovation outfits, the Minister assured the delegation that any proposals would be thoroughly and quickly analysed to ensure full transparency and conformity to Pakistani legal system. Ministry of IT and PSEB will ensure collaboration with the Chinese counterparts for synchronised efforts on all areas relating to ICT infrastructure and particularly technology park development.
Anusha Rehman further said "we are already collaborating with Ministry of Commerce for the development of e-commerce gateway framework so that online commercial ventures could flourish further and consumers and companies could get more confidence in online payment systems.
Then we would like to invite international companies to establish their set ups here in Pakistan as well." She ensured that any Chinese player wanting to invest in establishment of Internet Payment systems and commerce gateways will receive full facilitation being a core component of the e-commerce value chain. The delegates appreciated the vision of the government and hailed the initiatives being taken by the Ministry of Information Technology for uplifting of IT & Telecom sector.-PR