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ITU Telecom World 2013

Investment Workshop

09.00, Wednesday20 November
Bangkok, Thailand

Opening Remarks

Mr Houlin Zhao

Deputy Secretary-General,
International Telecommunication Union

Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished colleagues,

  • It is a great pleasure to be here with you this morning at ITU Telecom World 2013 for this inaugural Investment Workshop.
  • We all recognize that innovation is only part of the picture and that it needs to be backed up by investment if projects are to come to successful fruition. And in the context of an industry which is suffering chronic under-investment in some areas – and notably in rolling out broadband infrastructure – this workshop is therefore particularly timely and relevant.
  • This workshop forms an important and exciting part of the showfloor experience here at ITU Telecom World 2013.The showfloor and the many National Pavilions and Industry Stands present provide an excellent opportunity to showcase new technologies, investment opportunities, and partnership potential from across the globe.
  • The audience here at ITU Telecom World 2013 is uniquely influential, comprising ICT sector representatives at the highest level from the public and private sectors alike.
  • Today'sInvestment Workshop will provide a deeper insight into how to maximize the potential and attractiveness of the many interesting investment projects presented here.
  • We have assembled experts from all stages of the investment process: from developing proposals to pitching investment ideas;and from analyzing proposals to understanding the factors that influence investor decisions.
  • There will also be a presentation on creating a powerful brand to positively influence the image of a country or region, and how to use this to attract investors – and there will be a chance to network and meet with senior officials from government, regulatory agencies and leading ICT companies.
  • This is an important and practical step in encouraging investment in your ICT projects, and in your countries and regions. It reflects the commitment of ITU in general, and ITU Telecom World events in particular, to harnessing the power of new technologies to drive socio-economic development.
  • Bringing together investment projects and investment expertise in this way is a prime example of how sharing knowledge and best practice can bring benefits to all.
  • Let me therefore wish you a successful, constructive and collaborative session, and I look forward very much to hearing more about the success of your various projects.

Thank you and good luck!