ISLAMABAD, Sept 26: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said Pakistan is geared to become the regional centre and strategic market for software development and research and development (R&D) activities in IT and telecom by virtue of the availability of highly qualified personnel and the reduced cost of doing business.

He was talking to Ren Zhengtei, president Huawel Technology of China, who called on him along with a delegation at the PM’s House on Tuesday.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan and China had a special relationship which was strategic, close and multifaceted covering political, diplomatic, defence security, social and cultural fields and the enhanced levels of cooperation were in the mutual benefit of the two countries.

He said the government being cognizant of the vital role played by emerging technologies in the development process had placed development of education sector among its highest priorities.

He said the government was investing in human capital to prepare a critical mass of highly qualified people in key areas of science and technology to lead the development process.