Tech conference to help form partnerships with US firms

Pakistan aims to build on momentum by taking ICT exports to $25b

ISLAMABAD:

Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said that the Pak-US Tech Investment Conference marks a significant milestone for Pakistan's information technology industry as it will help foster collaboration between companies of the two countries, which are deeply involved in innovation.

She was addressing the first-ever Pak-US Tech Investment Conference through video link. She stressed that Pakistan's technology sector had shown promising growth in the past few years, driven by a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship and the commitment to growth.

"Our ICT exports have shown a remarkable growth of 25%. We are committed to building on this momentum until we reach the $25 billion goal set by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif," she remarked. The state minister called the event a critical step in achieving that goal, as it provided a platform for US and Pakistani businesses to come together.

She underlined the need for providing a secure cyber space to businesses as the country had made significant progress. As a result, in the Global Cybersecurity Index of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Pakistan has been placed in tier-1 (role modelling) alongside global leaders such as the US and Japan.

This reflects the collective efforts in cybersecurity, including initiatives like the National Cyber Security Policy, Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) rules, nCERT, cybersecurity regulations, hackathons, Cloud First Policy, etc. The state IT minister said Pakistan had also made notable advancements in the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI), rising 14 places compared to its position in 2022.

"We are now in the high EGDI category, reflecting our growing strength in e-governance and digital innovation."

She pointed out that over 60% exports of Pakistan's IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) went to the US and the UK, which spoke volumes about the quality of work being produced by Pakistan's enterprises and freelancers.

"The government is fully dedicated to nurturing the IT industry and creating a digital ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship," she stressed. As Pakistan embarked on a journey of national digitisation, she said, the prime minister directed the formulation of the National Digital Commission and the Pakistan Digital Authority, which would soon be legislated.

The idea is to promote digitisation across economic, governance and social sectors and verticals. However, "we are determined that this digitisation process will be led primarily by the private sector." Shaza Fatima boasted that Pakistan was increasingly being seen as an attractive destination for international investors and technology partners.

It offers state-of-the-art facilities, tax exemptions and a highly supportive business environment. In addition, around 75,000 new IT graduates enter the workforce annually. Sixty-three per cent of Pakistan's population comprises youth and this youth bulge is one of the largest assets. "We are investing in building their skills and certifications, so that we have productive and innovative young people, who can serve not only the domestic market, but also contribute internationally," the minister added.