August 12, 2009

INTEL Collaborated with PTA and NADRA to provide employment opportunities to the Unemployed

ISLAMABAD, August 12, 2009 – Intel Pakistan Corporation in collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA), today launched a program to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed people & increase IT Awareness and PC Penetration in the country. The program offers a low cost Telecentre starting from PKR 33,000.

The Intel® World Ahead Program has been working with Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom to accelerate technology education and usage in the country.

David Fosberg, Regional Director, Intel World Ahead Program for Asia Pacific, elaborated, “This is an initiative that aims to bring self employment opportunities for the unemployed & increase PC usage in the country.” “It is a scheme which will entitle individuals to earn a decent livelihood by introducing and extending ICT based solutions. Intel has introduced special affordable low cost platforms and brought regulators and industry leaders like PTA and Nadra together to offer a sustainable and viable solution under the name of Apna Karobar,” he added.

Intel has been involved by bringing innovative PC purchase and accessibility programs and introducing affordable platforms and bringing worldwide experiences as a technology leader to Pakistan. Intel firmly believes that ICT is a driver and growth catalyst for the economy and well being of the nation, and places a greater emphasis on usage and penetration of ICT and aims to bring innovative programs to achieve the goal.

“The greatness of technology for the shaping of the community and for providing pragmatic benefits for development policies is no longer questionable. While looking at the radical changes introduced by technological advancements in developed nations, one can simply say that technology plays the most critical role in the development of a country. It opens new horizons for a better economy”, asserted Mohammed Yaseen, Chairman, PTA. He further added, “Partnering on this front with Intel will enable both economy and technology, and if we keep working together with a healthy interaction, we can transform our nation in a much better shape. It will not only be profitable for the entrepreneur, but for everyone involved”.

“With Intel’s help, we aim to stimulate the unemployed to achieve mastery through the use of technology,” said Saleem Rafique, Chief Operating Officer, Nadra. “With the launch of this program and by making technological impacts our first priority, we can make our nation financially strong by providing plentiful opportunities to people where they can set up their own businesses and earn a decent living in these tough times of recession.”

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

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