“Etisalat will soon embark on the next phase of the corporation’s development including adopting a new style of conducting business, marketing innovation and cutting-edge customer service. The focus will be on the customer - the engine of our future growth,” said Dr. Mohammed Khalfan Bin Kharbash, UAE Minister of State for Finance & Industry and Chairman of Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat).
“Etisalat has been the catalyst of change and a key driver of progress and development of the UAE economy. Our vision is to position the company as the most successful brand in the Middle East,” said Dr. Kharbash in his first statement since assuming the role of Chairman of Etisalat. “Today, Etisalat is amongst UAE’s most successful companies and a Fortune 500 member, putting it on par with the world’s leading telecom companies,” he added.
Dr. Kharbash said: “We will leverage our technology heritage and first-class human capital to be the brand of choice for our customers and drive an ambitious expansion plan to reach new markets across the region.”
Etisalat has already been actively developing its interests over a broader canvas. It has a sizeable stake in Thuraya Mobile Satellite Company, the satellite-based telecom service provider, and interests in Qatar Telecom (Q-Tel) and in other telecoms operators in the region.
Just recently, Etisalat passed the pre-qualification phase in its application for the second mobile operator license in Saudi Arabia. “We will strategically continue to look for further investment opportunities in new markets to build shareholder value,” commented Dr. Kharbash.
Welcoming the deregulation of the UAE’s telecom sector, enshrined in Decree No. 3/2003. Dr. Kharbash said: “The deregulation is a positive sign for the UAE market. It will bring more choice to the customers.” said Dr. Kharbash.
Since its establishment, the UAE has always been an open and competitive market. It is this culture of openness and the relentless effort to become a formidable economic player that underpins the enactment of the decree and is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
He added: “Competition is good. Experience around the world shows that open markets work to everyone’s advantage. We therefore see deregulation of the telecom market as an opportunity for Etisalat to further strengthen its position.” (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
