By Tahir Ali  

 

ISLAMABAD, Dec. 20 (Gwadar Pro) - To showcase the digital prowess and remarkable strides made in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) over the last decade under the umbrella of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), “Infodor Salon on CPEC Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Projects” was held at the office of All-Pakistan Chinese Enterprises’ Association (APCEA) in Islamabad on Wednesday.

 

 

Representatives from prominent Chinese enterprises discussed the role of their respective companies in spearheading digital transformation initiatives in Pakistan, with a particular emphasis on their involvement in the CPEC projects. The Chinese companies also boost tech, jobs, and CSR through strategic partnerships.

 

Executive Director of Infodor, Fahad Gauhar Malik emphasized that their platform actively counters propaganda against China and its global initiatives like BRI, and CPEC. Mr. Malik stated, “By meticulously fact-checking and debunking misinformation, it provides accurate insights; furthermore, it delves into Chinese culture, values, and heritage to foster a nuanced understanding, contributing to a more informed global discourse.”

 

Tian Ye, an official of the China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak), said that CMPak has played a crucial role in several CPEC projects. According to him, during the past 15 years, CMPak has contributed billion rupees in local tax revenue and has created more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in Pakistan.  “Our journey has been defined by constant innovation and digital transformation in the country; we introduced groundbreaking technology such as the expansion of 4G and introduction of 4G plus.”

 

He also underscores CMPak’s CSR activities, emphasizing its role as a “bridge between people” with its primary focus has been on the environment, education, and disaster relief.

 

From left, Tian Ye (CMPak), Yang Kai (Hikvision) & Chen Tian (HEROBOS). [Photo/Tahir Ali]   

 

Chen Tian from HEROBOS Technology highlighted active participation in CPEC since 2017, focusing on IT and Energy Conservation. Collaborations with the IT department and educational institutions have led to significant achievements, including the implementation of remote monitoring systems at CPEC projects like Dasu HPP.

 

Feng Cong of Calcare Services Pvt. Ltd. underscored the enterprise’s significant contribution to Pakistan’s economy. In a joint venture based in Karachi, Calcare Services is involved in the manufacturing and assembling of TECNO phones. Specific products from the company are tailored to meet the preferences and needs of the youth in Pakistan.

 

 

Li Yue Zhou of Sunwalk expressed confidence in Pakistan’s substantial potential in ICT and stated, “We have already invested $10 million in Pakistan”. He emphasized that the Sunwalk Fiber investment project has not only generated employment opportunities but has also extended reliable connectivity, contributing to the country’s technological advancement.

 

Yang Kai from Hikvision Pakistan stated that the company currently holds the top position in the surveillance industry, running three branches in the country. While talking about Hikvision’s ‘localization strategy’, he said, “We are a true partner in the Pakistani market with three operational branches and plan to open two more branches in the country”. Mr. Yang further highlighted that Hikvision plays a crucial role in providing security solutions to various CPEC projects.

 

Muhammad Rizwan, the Vice-President of ZTE Corporation, said that ZTE was working with all the major operators including CMPak, PTCL, Jazz, Telenor, and SCO in Pakistan. “With localization policy, we have almost 75% local employees in Pakistan and 25% are the Chinese”, he said and he added that in terms of CSR, ZTE played a pivotal role during the Covid-19 and also has training and internship programs for Pakistani students.

 

Yu Shao Ning of Huawei Pakistan highlighted the company’s contribution to the ICT area in Pakistan under CPEC. He said that Huawei has been providing training in ICT to a large number of Pakistani students and teachers.

 

According to Mr. Yu, the Pakistan-China Fiber Project executed by Huawei between Khunjerab and Rawalpindi with a total length of 820 kilometers is a record-breaking project in the world. He said that the Lahore Safe Project was playing a significant role in the protection of people in the area. 

 

This article originally appeared on Gwadar Pro.