Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Terming the merger of Mobilink Pakistan and Warid telecom a positive development, VimpelCom CEO Jean Yves Charlier on Wednesday said the merger was win-win situation both the companies as well as the country.

The merger of both the mobile companies would help generate 5,000 new employment opportunities in Pakistan, Charlier said while briefing a group of journalists. He said the merger would also have a positive impact on Pakistan’s economic development and future of the mobile industry. He also appreciated the government, which supported the whole process of merging.

The merger of both the companies would help in provision of quality services to consumers, he said, clarifying that there would be no increase in prices while priority would be given to customer services. “Mobilink would work on bringing new digital services, which the company already planning. The company plans to establish 1,500 new franchises in next five years, which would generate at least 5,000 jobs opportunities in Pakistan,” he added.

Answering a question, he said Mobilink plans to invest $1 billion in next five years in Pakistan to improve infrastructure facilities, IT and services to consumers. He claimed that there were great growth opportunities in Pakistan as its population consists of young people. The CEO also claimed that VimpelCom considers Pakistan as potential country for company development and planned to develop Pakistan as hub for other VimpelCom companies in the region.

He said that Mobilink work closely with the government to increase the network. “Our strategy is to provide new digital services, for which Mobilink and Warid would invest more in new services instead of investing in traditional way like installing towers.”

About tax incentives, Charlier said pro-business policies of the government were important for foreign investors instead of seeking any tax reduction. He claimed that the company would pay taxes as per government polices and also invest more in social responsibilities. He also appreciated the government initiative of encouraging public-private partnership.

He said with the merger the telecom service in Pakistan would improve in quality and outreach, thereby helping people in remote areas. “Integrating network assets would help introduce new products and services like mobile financial services, mobile apps and other value added services at scale. The merger would also result in superior customer experience as well as easier access and availability due to wider distribution network,” he added.

Answering another query, the CEO said it was not decided to rename after merger of two mobile companies and priority was given to provide best services to its customers.