VimpelCom delegation calls on Ishaq Dar

A delegation of the reputed telecom concern, VimpelCom led by its CEO, Mr. Jean-Yves Charlier called on Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here on Monday.

Minister of State for IT, Anusha Rehman Khan was present on the occasion.

Mr. Jean-Yves Charlier briefed the Finance Minister about current profile of VimpelCom saying it has Mobilink as its Operating Company in Pakistan. VimpelCom has US$ 5 billion investment inPakistan since inception and delivers services to 38 million customers.  He said that the recent merger of Warid telecom with Mobilink has opened a new window of opportunity for enhancing investment and employment generation inPakistan.  VimpelCom, Mr. Jean-Yves Charlier said as the leading investor and taxpayer, remains committed to support Pakistan’s economy.

Minister Dar on this occasion appreciated the economic contribution of VimpelCom. He said the Ministry of IT under the leadership of Minister of State Anusha Rehman Khan has come up with a comprehensive telecom policy which not only encourages foreign investment but also envisages to extend IT/telecom facilities to the underserved and far flung areas of the country. He said in that context, VimpelCom/Mobilikn could contribute in expanding the telecom sector to encompass underserved areas of the country.

Mr. Jean-Yves Charlier said, his company welcomed and highly appreciated the present government’s business and investment friendly policies and would put in its best to continue to provide quality telecom services to the Pakistani customers.

Minister Dar said Pakistan’s economic turnaround had been acknowledged by leading international financial organizations and that VimpelCom’s plans to enhance investment in Pakistan was another manifestation of this acknowledgement.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of  IT and PTA attended the meeting.