Samsung Electronics said it has signed an agreement with Ooredoo (formerly known as Qtel Group), a leading telecom company with a presence across markets in the Mena and South-East Asia region.

The pioneering deal will see both parties collaborate on projects to accelerate the growth of mobility and Internet adoption across all Ooredoo markets, with a strong focus on Qatar and Indonesia, said a statement from Ooredoo.

About 40 per cent of customers in Ooredoo’s key markets are under 25 years of age, and the company has placed particular emphasis on providing data services that enrich lives and create new opportunities.

“We are excited to partner with Samsung, one of the world’s leading technology companies,” said Cynthia Gordon, the group chief commercial officer of Ooredoo.

“It is clear that they share our belief that mobile communications can help people, and especially young people, realize their full potential. Like us they are considering mobility as a platform for empowerment and enrichment. Together, we will not only work hard to bring better deals to our customers, but also create a lasting legacy that improves connectivity among youth and businesses,” she stated.

Sunghak Jang, the vice president of Samsung Mobile business, Middle East and Africa said the company was drawn to Ooredoo’s ability to provide innovative products to the youth segment – a strategic push recently highlighted by the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Y series for younger consumers.

"Ooredoo has been focused on empowering people via connected mobile devices and has a clear understanding of the needs of customer in emerging markets. I am very confident that this will be just the start of a highly successful collaboration," he added.

Ooredoo, said Jang, stands at the top of Samsung’s partner list for marquee launches in 2013, and will be able to provide significant value to customers through competitively priced voice, SMS and data bundles, high-quality SIMs, customer care and device detection capabilities.

"In Qatar, Samsung and Ooredoo will explore opportunities to help Ooredoo enhance its QR1 billion ($274 million) fibre project to deliver high-speed Internet and next generation television services across the whole country by 2014, by supporting multi-screen service offerings.-TradeArabia News Service