Pakistan to host Ficci convention

Ficci-FRAMES global convention concludes

FRAMES, the annual convention organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) will be soon held in Pakistan.

This was announced on the last day of the Ficci-FRAMES global convention by Yash Chopra, chairman Ficci Entertainment Committee and Shakeer-ur-Rehman, chairman of the Pakistan-based Jang Group of companies.

Rehman in his special presentation at the convention said, "We would like a platform like FICCI in our country as we cannot afford to remain out of the frame for long." In address, Rehman highlighted the plans of his company for Pakistan and India as well.

The company plans to launch ten channels including a general entertainment channel which would be beamed in India as well; they have applied for a DTH license in Pakistan.

According to Rehman, Pakistan needed a brand overhaul and wished that media and entertainment could play the same role as they did in India. He told the audience that the media climate in Pakistan is extremely vibrant and ripe for investments.

Already 15 channels are in the pipeline. Musharaff has deregulated the Pakistani Regulatory Authority from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. With cross media ownerships being allowed by the Pakistani premier, major companies are entering the market., he added.

With economic boom affecting India's neighbour in a similar manner, Rehman reminded that Pakistan is open for business.

Rehman appealed to the film makers in India to make films which are universal in theme and not indulge in the Pak bashing alone.The Jang Group in Pakistan is one of the big companies with interests in print and television.

The company has recently purchased 50 acres in Karachi to build a state of the art entertainment facility to attract film makers and technicians from India and elsewhere.