Trade and industry body calls for making Hyderabad an IT hub

Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI) has urged the federal and provincial governments to promote information technology in Sindh's second largest city.

Hyderabad has the potential of becoming and IT and e-commerce hub with due assistance from the government said HCSTSI President Muhammad Farooq Shaikhani.

He urged the government to unveil a comprehensive strategy to position Hyderabad as a premier IT and e-commerce hub.

Shaikhani pointed out that the region already boasts prestigious institutions like SZABIST, FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, National Incubation Center Hyderabad, and other universities, which are spearheading IT and technology education. By uniting these educational powerhouses on a single platform, Hyderabad has the potential to become a world-class IT business centre.

HCSTSI chief affirmed that Hyderabad possesses the full potential to emerge as a premier hub for IT and software businesses, however, he stressed that this potential could only be realised with robust support and effective policies from the government.

Shaikhani has called upon both federal and provincial IT ministers to visit Hyderabad and assess its resources, ensuring that the region is developed in line with contemporary IT sector demands. He further highlighted the need for targeted training and opportunities for the youth of Hyderabad and interior Sindh in IT and e-commerce, enabling them to integrate into the global market effectively.

Drawing a comparison with neighbouring countries such as China, India, and Bangladesh, he noted their successful IT sector advancements and global competitiveness. These nations have made IT education a priority and offered substantial incentives to IT companies at the government level. Shaikhani emphasized that Pakistan must adopt similar policies to foster the growth of its local IT industry.

He addressed the pressing issue of payment security for freelancers, noting a 47% increase in freelancer income in Pakistan over recent years. Despite this growth, many freelancers keep their earnings abroad due to concerns about payment security. Farooq urged the government to ensure secure payment systems for freelancers, which would encourage them to bring their earnings back to Pakistan.

This move could significantly stabilize the country's economy and alleviate the dollar shortage. He appealed to federal and provincial governments to support youth through initiatives like Bano Qabil, offering them future business opportunities and guidance. Shaikhani highlighted the necessity of key facilities to establish Hyderabad as a leading IT and e-commerce hub, with paramount high-speed and reliable internet connectivity. The IT sector cannot thrive without a robust digital infrastructure.

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of creating Special Economic Zones that offer tax exemptions and incentives to IT companies. He also called for modern technology courses and training programs in educational and IT institutions to prepare students and freelancers to meet global standards. HCSTSI is dedicated to fully supporting the transformation of Hyderabad into a leading IT and e-commerce hub. The Chamber's leadership is committed to collaborating closely with governments and the private sector to develop Hyderabad into a world-class IT business centre. This initiative aims to create ample growth opportunities for the youth and entrepreneurs in the region.