October 26, 2003	Sunday	Sha’aban 29, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 25: A three-member delegation from US has shown interest in the IT and telecom sectors specially in mobile phones, internet and wireless loop for investment, but were least curious about the PTCL’s privatization.

“We have not focussed our talks on the privatization of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), but we will closely monitor the process as it moves forward,” Eric Ram, the chairman of World Mobile Communication USA, told reporters after his meetings with officials here on Saturday at the Board of Investment.

Gen Anthony C. Zinni (retired), a member of the Board of Directors of the World Mobile Communication and Fusion Telecommunication International, USA, is leading the delegation to explore the possibilities of investment in Pakistan.

The US team held discussions with Investment and Privatization Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Information Technology and Telecommunication Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Shahzada Alam Malik, Board of Investment Chairman Wasim Haqi, PTCL Chairman Akhtar Ahmed Bajwa and other senior government officials.

Gen Zinni described his talks as informative during which investment opportunities in the telecom sector were discussed in detail. “I have a long association and fondness for Pakistan though it is my first time here as a businessman,” he said and appreciated government’s efforts for bringing positive reforms for investment.

“We hope to be the first to step up investment pace in Pakistan to encourage others to follow,” he assured.

“We are a serious business party,” said Eric Ram, adding that his organization was more interested to invest in sectors like mobile phones, wireless loop, internet and data sectors.

Replying to a question, he said that at present he was not in a position to suggest about the size of investment.

Mr Leghari said that the US delegation had shown interest in the telecom sector only because of the deregulation of the sector which the government undertook recently.

Mr Sheikh was of the view that the basic purpose of the meetings was to have exchange of ideas on general investment in Pakistan and informed that the PTCL team during the discussion briefed the delegation about the deregulation.

Declaring the visit of US delegation as an important step, he hoped that it would help in establishing long-term commercial activities in Pakistan.