Public sector and FSI drive PC growth in Pakistan
Tan Ee Sze
11/07/2007

According to research firm IDC, Pakistan PC shipments (desktops and notebooks) grew 1.6 per cent in the past year to reach 111,039 units in the first quarter of 2007.

The commencement of new projects from government institutions such as the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Health Department, the expansion of banks within the country, and the implementation of mass initiatives such as the "Classmate PC" programme in schools will result in steady growth in Pakistan's PC market, said IDC.

Desktops continue to account for the bulk of the market with IDC forecasting this form factor to post a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6 per cent from 2006-2011. Although notebook penetration is relatively smaller, it is expected to register a much stronger CAGR of 20.3 per cent as the fundamentals for notebook growth such as increasing awareness and heightened price competition are expected to drive the market.

"On the commercial end, projects from the government and banking institutions have driven the market. Likewise, end users have been benefiting from their growing knowledge of PCs that in turn has led to the ramped up adoption of consumer desktops in the first quarter of 2007," said Linus Lai, Research & Consulting Director for IDC's Emerging Asia.

Going forward, although the current political strain is worrying, the government is likely to continue with its five-year plan to revive the economy and boost inflows, said IDC. Export driven growth, the proper maintenance of inflow of remittances, a successful and peaceful parliamentary election in October 2007, and the privatisation of the key verticals of telecommunications and financial services, will be key for the country's long-term outlook.

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