Microsoft ready to start operations in Pakistan Nawaz invites Bill Gate to visit country
ISLAMABAD (APP): Microsoft, the world leading software company, Tuesday announced to start its operations in Pakistan, to drive the growth of the advanced technology industry and market in Pakistan. The decision came after a three-member high-powered Microsoft delegation called here on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
The company will initiate its business by opening an office in Karachi as soon as possible, Bahram Mohazzebi, General Manager of Microsoft GEM (Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean) told a Press briefing.
The news marks the beginning of a series of initiatives from the world’s leading software company, designed to foster a dynamic and thriving information technology industry in the country.
Pakistan is a market with huge technology potential and Microsoft is ready to help in realizing that potential by investing in, and working with, government, businesses and computer users, Bahram Mohazzebi said.
“Today we are announcing that we are embarking on a long term commitment to Pakistan by establishing our presence here. “Microsoft will work with the government to reduce piracy, bring technology education to schools and the work place, “and a commitment to drive the growth of an advanced technology industry and market in Pakistan,” he said.
Announcing the move, Mohazzebi was jointed by Microsoft Middle East Regional Director Emre Berkin and Microsoft GEM Product Marketing Manager Murad Lakhdir. Microsoft is assisted in their Pakistan operations by the law firm of Khursheed Khan & Associates.
Referring to the opening of their office in Karachi, he said, the effects of the move will be felt immediately in Pakistan with reduced pricing, software licensing and educational initiatives aimed at helping the country’s growing base of information technology.
The information technology is better than monetary investment, Mohazzebi said. “Once you attain knowledge it stays while monetary investment creates jobs and increases export earnings. “To a question that international IT companies are generally unwilling to invest in markets where illegal software dominates, he said “We will be working ever more actively with government officials, aiming to share with them a view of the economical advantage, that can be achieved by addressing the illegal software problem.”
“As we progress towards the global information economy, these moves will play a vital role in maintaining and building upon the hard work and competitiveness of Pakistani entrepreneurs and make a real contribution to the national economy.”
Mobazzebi, said, “Where we have committed to investment, we have seen reductions of up to 90 per cent on the cost of software for education, free training packages for resellers and users alike, large scale technology transfer exercises and the establishment of highly professional reseller resources which benefit information technology users. It is our intention to bring these resources to Pakistan.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has invited Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft Corporation, the world’s leading software company to visit Pakistan. The invitation was extended through Emre Berkin, Regional Director of Microsoft Corporation, who called on him here on Tuesday.
The PM said investment by Microsoft will lead to transfer of technology and knowledge, offer new employment opportunities for local manpower and bolster exports of software from Pakistan.
Source: Nation
Date:1/27/1999
” 
” 
” 
” 
