A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for lying of cross-border optical fibre cable (OFC) system between Pakistan and China was signed in April 2007, while construction and maintenance agreement between SCO and China Telecom (CT) was also signed during the visit of Chinese Vice Premier to Pakistan in Jun 2010.
SCO persistently pursued the process for its approval and the project was finally approved by the Government of Pakistan in December 2010. A kick-off ceremony for this mega project was held in HQ SCO here on Monday, which was attended by all Chinese telecom firms HQ SCO Director Development gave a detailed briefing on technical aspects of the project and invited technical proposals from the firms for the execution of the project.
Chairman SCO Project Management Board IGC&IT, SO-in-C, DG SCO, Member Telecom MoIT, and CEOs/Representatives of all Chinese telecom firms were also present at this memorable occasion. Chinese Embassy in Islamabad was represented by the Defence Attache.
This mega telecom project will accrue economic benefits to Pakistan and will establish alternate international connectivity with China, Central Asian Republics (CARS) and Europe. On completion, the project will also facilitate trade, tourism and IT awareness in the region and generate economic opportunities particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.-PR