IT & Telecom News Update: 3rd Feb 2010

Wateen brings more thrills on WOG
Wateen brings more thrills on the Wateen Online Gaming (WOG) portal by introducing 6 new exciting multiplayer online games in partnership with Arvato Middle East, under their brand name Getmo. To electrify online gaming adventures Dark Orbit; Sea Fight; XBlaster; Soccer Manager; Mafia 1930; Damoria have been added to the list.

Without the hassle of additional software or upgrades, Wateen’s Multiplayer Online Gaming can be played with and against your friends no matter where they are. With no restrictions on the gaming experience, one can play from any computer, anywhere in the world as long as it is connected to the Internet.

Online multi-player gaming makes an easy play for the cyber gamers. By simply logging onto the Wateen gaming portal and one can take the adventure ride through various games without installing new software every time they want to play a new game. Enjoy the inexpensive convenience, having no need to upgrade hardware/software, just play as preferred by friends or clan members.

Production of electro-medical devices urged
Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Acting President Faisal Iqbal Sheikh has said the country can save a huge amount of foreign exchange if the government facilitates manufacturing of electro-medical devices.

Speaking at a function on electro-medical and scientific equipment, he said at present a big amount of foreign exchange was being spent on the import of electro-medical devices from Germany, the US, Japan, China, South Korea and the Far East. If the manufacturing of the same equipment was facilitated in the country, he added, it would not only save money, but these could also be exported to other countries.

Secretary Health Anwar Ahmad Khan said the Punjab government was keen to develop the health sector and increased allocation for the sector by 100 per cent.

He said advancement of technology in manufacturing of electro-medical devices was a big challenge. Unavailability of skilled workforce due to absence of proper training facilities was also coming in the way of establishment of manufacturing units in the country, but the government was making efforts to address the issue, he added.

US firm offers assistance for harnessing wind energy

US public sector project financing agency, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), and General Electric (GE) have expressed willingness to partner with Pakistani companies for developing wind energy sector in Pakistan. OPIC has offered financing facilities and the GE will provide wind turbines to Pakistani investors, officials of the Alternative Energy Development Board said.

According to the officials, the offer came in a recent meeting among representatives of the board, OPIC, GE and the ministry of water and power.

Opic Vice President Robert Drumheller said the financing conditions include a long term operations and management contract with some US company and other possible US involvement in the project, achieving Opic environmental and other policy clearances and adhering to AEDB procedures.

Naeem Shafi representing the General Electric said they had been working in Pakistan since long and they never faced any problem in their operation and movement.

He said that the GE provided complete solution for wind project. “We are committed to helping our Pakistani customers develop the country’s vast potential for clean, wind-generated power, which will enable Pakistan to meet both its growing energy and environmental responsibilities,” he added.

WorldCall shows deficit of Rs. 490 Million, decides to shut down Sri Lankan Operations
WorldCall Telecom has announced to shut down its operations in Sri Lanka as the decision was taken at the Board of Directors meeting upon the release of financial statements.

Board was informed about the financial scenario of WorldCall Telecom in 2009 when it generated revenues of Rs. 84 Billion whereas it had a deficit of Rs. 49 Million. That increased the per share value deficit from 35 paisas to 57 paisas. Keeping the deficit in mind, the board decided to shut down the Sri Lankan operations of WorldCall Lanka and further announced to have a vote of confidence on this issue