Alvi highlights youth’s role in economic uplift

Urges resolution of financial transaction challenges for freelance market

ISLAMABAD:

President Dr Arif Alvi underscored the pivotal role of equipping Pakistan’s youth with cutting-edge technology skills, asserting that the nation’s economic progress hinges on Information Technology (IT) development. Highlighting Pakistan’s rise as the world’s second-largest freelance market, the president acknowledged the challenges faced in financial transactions and emphasised that streamlining these processes could bolster the economy by a notable 2-3% increase in GDP growth.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Huawei ICT Competition 2022-23, President Alvi declared that IT has seamlessly integrated into nearly every facet of life. He revealed Huawei’s plans to establish a global service centre in Pakistan, paving the way for employment opportunities and knowledge transfer to the nation’s youth. Applauding the Industry-Academia Relationship, he remarked, “Huawei’s ICT Competition Programme reflects the strides made in the past decade, serving as a robust foundation for Pakistan’s ICT industry.”

Advocating for proactive measures in education, the president advocated for boot camps within universities to equip graduates for the job market. He urged institutions to introduce two-year associate degree programmes, emphasising the value of skills over traditional degrees in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The Huawei ICT Competition 2022-23 concluded with the Pakistani teams’ bagging prizes in the Network and Innovation Tracks, securing second and third positions in the global finals held at Huawei’s headquarters in Shenzhen. With 146 teams, this event marked a return to in-person competitions since 2019.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31^st, 2023.

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