Task force on tech-driven economy being formed

Planning minister stresses need for shifting to knowledge-based economy

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar has underlined the need for transforming Pakistan from an agriculture-based to a technology-driven knowledge-based economy in order to compete at the international level.

He emphasised the promotion of science and technology that could provide innovative and creative solutions for progress and betterment of the society.

The minister was talking to Dr Attaur Rahman, former federal minister for science and technology and former chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), who called on him on Wednesday.



Rahman pointed out that a national task force on technology-driven knowledge economy was being formed, which would be headed by the prime minister and he would be the vice chairman.

The task force will comprise all key stakeholders who would chalk out the way forward to a knowledge-based economy.

The task force will cover various sectors, wherein emphasis will be laid on promotion of technology and knowledge to gain maximum dividends in the areas of agriculture, energy, water resources and IT.

The planning minister said economic development of a country did not solely depend on natural resources but also on intellectual capital, quality human resources, industrial development and value-added production.



“In today’s world, knowledge is the main driving force behind leading economies; knowledge contributes significantly to economic growth,” Bakhtiar said and stressed the need for focusing on demand-driven technologies that had a direct impact on the national economy.

“Knowledge-based economy provides the basis for sustainable socio-economic development and focuses on hi-tech manufacturing; exports will not only boost the national economy but will also provide an opportunity to capture their due share in the global market,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2018.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.