Intel vows to continue expansion policy in Pakistan, including availability of local language content

[Harold Schiffman]

Intel vows to continue expansion policy in Pakistan
Saturday, 12 January 2008

Intel began its operations in 1997 with almost no skilled manpower and
basic infrastructure in Pakistan, has grown significantly over the
years and is committed to continue bridging the gap of digitalisation
by bringing the latest products in the local market. The Country
Manager of Intel Pakistan Corporation, Ashar H Zaidi, said that Intel
was growing fast in Pakistani markets with the commitment of making
the latest technology available to its every customer. Unfolding the
Intel's plan of "bridging the gap of digitalisation", he pointed out
that it was aimed at providing every person with the access to
technology. However, he linked the growth of computer literacy with
the availability of local language content on the Internet. In 1997,
Intel began its operations in Pakistan but faced challenges like
unavailability of local IT professionals and a thin market for its
products, however things have changed in the last ten years and use of
technology has gone up phenomenally, he observed.

About the Intel's collaboration with the local IT firms, he apprised
that it had worked closely with various local organisations with an
aim to produce IT professionals and the latest products for its
consumers. He maintained that it had remained successful in its plans
during the last ten years.

To a question about the expansion policy, Zaidi said, "Intel's
expansion plan of technology infrastructure is in place, which aims to
bring core micro architecture and all new technology in the market."

However, he appeared to be more focused on the provision of the
quality education, as numerous IT education projects, the Intel has
been continuously organising across the country to make the students
aware of the technology through providing first the schoolteachers
with IT education.

In line with the World-head programme, he pointed out that Intel was
going to donate some 4,000 computer sets for the students of
government schools on the recommendations of federal and provincial
governments. This programme also includes the provision of computer
sets to poor students through financial institutions on easy
instalments.

Last year some 2,000 schoolteachers from Fata participated in the
Intel's teacher-training programme, Ziadi said and hoped that this
programme would continue in future as well.

He said that besides encouraging students for research work with cash
prizes, Intel also facilitates students to get themselves recognised
in the contests regularly being organised in the developed countries
of the world, which not only boost their confidence but also provide
them with opportunities to acquire scholarships for studying in the
world recognised institutions.

Zaidi said that with the introduction of (WiMAX) technology - a
Worldwide Interoperability of Microwave Access, the Internet facility
had become easier. He added the WiMAX technology would play a vital
role in the growth of IT sector in the country.

About Intel's investment policy, he said that it would not change its
expansion policy in Pakistan.

http://www.uniquepakistan.com/news/general/intel-vows-to-continue-expansion-policy-in-pakistan-20080112.html

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