Global tech giant Google on Thursday launched an initiative to produce half a million Chromebooks in Pakistan, marking the occasion by presenting the first device to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Google Asia Pacific (APAC) President Scott Beaumont presented the locally manufactured Chromebook to PM Shehbaz at a ceremony in Islamabad.
The prime minister, addressing the ceremony, appreciated the contribution of Google on the global level and in Pakistan as well.
He expressed the belief that the young generation was much more capable in the field of information technology and could play a key role in the country's economic development.
PM Shehbaz said the federal and provincial governments should utilise all possible resources to ensure their education and empowerment.
The prime minister announced that the government had set a target of IT exports worth $25 billion in the next five years, adding that the target was "quite achievable".
He asked IT experts and entrepreneurs to present a plan to help the government achieve the target besides promoting small and medium enterprises and freelancers.
PM Shehbaz also expressed the resolve to make the country's governance system completely paperless and digitised to get rid of massive corruption in the people's best interest.
He said the government had hired a new IT secretary in a transparent manner.
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Google was playing an important role in the digitisation of Pakistan under the premier's vision.
Google Regional Director for Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Farhan S Qureshi said focusing on technology would help increase economic activities in the country.
He highlighted that there were huge opportunities for freelancers in Pakistan to move forward in various fields of technology.
Information Minister Tarar and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal were also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, a 4-member delegation of Google led by President of APAC region Scott Beaumont called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister said Pakistan stands on the threshold of a transformative leap in its digital economy.
Sharing the government's plans to achieve the target of US$ 25 billion exports in the next five years, the prime minister said funds are allocated for training of youth, improvement of IT infrastructure, and improvement of the regulatory environment.
He said efforts are underway to completely digitize Pakistan's economy. He emphasized collaboration with a tech giant like Google in these endeavours.
Commending Google for its role in driving Pakistan's digital economy forward, the prime minister appreciated Google for undertaking initiatives that have significantly improved the lives of thousands of Pakistanis over the last few years.
Noting with satisfaction that google has enabled Pakistani youth to get close to 1 million jobs in 2023 alone, the prime minister underlined that it is reflective of Pakistan's potential in the digital world and Google's commitment to upskilling and uplifting the youth of Pakistan.
Apprising the prime minister of its plans of future engagement, Mr. Scott said Google has decided to further increase its investment footprint in Pakistan and support the Government's initiatives of Youth's skills training.
In order to maximize the economic benefits of technology, the large youth population and expanding economy are important factors for a value-driven tech giant like Google, he added.
He reiterated that by 2026, 5 lacs Chromebooks will be manufactured in Pakistan which will revolutionise the IT Industry of Pakistan.
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