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The Government has embarked upon an aggressive and liberal investment
policy and transparent privatisation program to provide equal opportunity to
local
and foreign investors without any discrimination between them and has opened
up the telecom sector through the Telecom deregulation policy, which has
become the most attractive sector. Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh Federal Minister
for Privatisation & Investment stated during a meeting with a high level
delegation of Millicom International Cellular (MIC) S. A, who called on him
here today.
The Minister said that through the transparent process of privatisation of
public sector entities during the past two years, Pakistan has realized about
Rs.104 billion while most of the big-ticket items were at an advanced stage.
Dr. Shaikh said that the Telecom has become the most attractive sector for the
investors from all over the world. Pakistan's privatisation was a bipartisan
program exercised by all the previous political governments, he said.
He appreciated the Millicom's intentions to expand their operations and
investment in the country and assured them of full cooperation and assistance
to increase their investment in Pakistan. MIC has invested approx US $ 500
million in Pakistan being the first to bring mobile services in Pakistan, now
covering more than 100 cities nationwide.
MIC delegation led by Mr. Daniel Johannesson, Chairman Board of MIC
accompanied by other Board members said that Pakistan has attained a position
of significant importance, which has compelled MIC to expand their operations
and investment in Pakistan. MIC has interests in 16 cellular operations in 15
countries, focusing on Asia, Latin America and Africa having a combined
population under license of approximately 399 million people, he informed.
Ms. Cristina Stenbeck, E.D MIC, Mr. Marc Beuls President & CEO, Mr. Iain
Williams President S.A, Mr. Sikandar Naqi, E.D Instaphone and Mr. Xavier
Rocoplan CEO Paktel were among the delegation members.