Telenor Group sees great potential for Thailand and its telecom industry

In a high-profile panel discussion on ‘Asian Women as the Way Forward’ at the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2012, which included Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, CARE USA President and CEO Helene D. Gayle, and the President of the Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs, Rokia Afzal Rahman, Mr. Baksaas emphasized egalitarianism and inclusiveness as important drivers for competitiveness and growth in Scandinavia.

 

Sharing his views on how the political and economic empowerment of women in Asia can contribute to the long-term growth of East and Southeast Asian economies, Baksaas also gave insights into the experiences from Norway and from the Telenor Group.

 

“Equality is an enabler for competitiveness. Companies and societies depend on top talent to succeed – regardless of gender, nationality or religion. Diversity spurs better decision making and improves productivity. Research conducted by the World Economic Forum shows that gender equity translates to higher competitiveness of economies as a whole,” said Jon Fredrik Baksaas, President and CEO of Telenor Group.

 

Norway has gained international recognition for its pioneering legislative and policy work to promote gender equality in all aspects of society. Telenor Group is working actively to promote and develop women in both operational and management positions.

 

“Equality in the sense of giving everybody equal opportunities is not only a moral objective in itself: it makes good business sense. In Telenor Group we undertake several initiatives to secure a healthy gender diversity in our workforce. One good example is dtac, where the majority of our workforce are women,” said Jon Fredrik Baksaas.

 

During his 4 day visit to Thailand, Baksaas has conducted several meetings with key representatives from the Thai Government. In these meetings, Mr. Baksaas has expressed Telenor Group’s continued commitment to Thailand, and shared his confidence in the positive development of the Thai economy.

Thailand is a dynamic country with a large demographic dividend – a country of youth and of opportunity. The Asean Economic Community (AEC), when it takes effect in 2015, will herald a new era for this region and for Thailand. Telenor Group believes that the telecom industry can play an important role in enhancing the country’s national competitiveness once the borders are opened.  Telenor Group continues to see great potential for Thailand and its telecom industry for the future.

 

“For the 10 years that Telenor Group has been present in Thailand, we have seen the country make significant progress. With a mobile penetration of more than 100 percent, every Thai now has access to a mobile phone, providing them with the benefits of connectivity,” said Baksaas.

 

“The next big growth wave will come from mobile data and mobile services. With the upcoming 3G auction, Thailand is now taking important steps to expand and enhance mobile connectivity for the future. Telenor Group is eager to see dtac participate in the upcoming 3G auctions, and we are ready to provide all possible support to the Government to ensure that the auction is successful.”

 

Baksaas expressed confidence in Thailand’s continued openness to international business.

 

“Consumers, industries and societies at large maximize benefits through free and fair competition. Telenor Group is hopeful that the Thai government will promote a regulatory framework that ensures a level playing field and healthy competition that benefits all,” said Baksaas.