=> KARACHI (January 12 2008): Intel began its operati
KARACHI (January 12 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.
Talking to Business Recorder on Thursday, 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. The recent waves of violence in the country and deteriorating law and order situation would not deter Intel from further advancement, Zaidi said and added, “no regressive policy will be adopted due to law and order situation.”
Source: Business Recorder
Date:1/12/2008
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