First-ever digital FDI forum kicks off

Secures $700m investment on first day as over 30 ministers, 75 global investors, and 100 Pakistani tech firms unite

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ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey on Tuesday with the inauguration of the first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum 2025, held under the patronage of chief guest of the event, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

According to a press statement, the forum also welcomed the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya as Guest of Honour. Hosted by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in collaboration with the DCO, the event signalled Pakistan's commitment to fostering global digital partnerships and investment.

The forum brought together over 30 ministers from DCO member states, 75 international investors, and more than 100 leading Pakistani IT companies.

As per the statement, with $700 million in digital investment announcements made on Day 1, the forum underscored global confidence in Pakistan's digital economy.

Addressing the audience, the statement adds that Federal IT Minister, said, "Pakistan's ICT exports have grown by over 25% in the past nine months, showing the growth of our digital economy." She added, "We have improved our position by 14 places in the UN E-Government Development Index between 2022 and 2024, mirroring our ongoing commitment to digital progress and service delivery."

She emphasised that Pakistan's tech sector is open for international collaboration and poised for future growth.

At the forum, Federal IT Minister and DCO Secretary-General engaged with over 40 Pakistani startups and companies, applauding their entrepreneurial spirit and investor appeal. The opening day concluded with a strong sense of opportunity, global partnership, and renewed momentum for building Islamabad as Davos of digital investment, reads the press statement.