The strengthening digital bond between Pakistan and UAE

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to strengthen cooperation in advanced technology, data innovation, and cross-border startup investment.

According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, the agreement was reached during a meeting between Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and UAE's Undersecretary for Industry and Advanced Technology Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi in Abu Dhabi on the sidelines of GITEX 2025.

During the meeting, Khawaja highlighted Pakistan's Digital Nation Pakistan Act, National Data Exchange Layer, and government-led initiatives promoting a cashless economy, smart governance, and AI integration. The minister also met with Massimo Falcioni, Chief Competitiveness Officer of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, to explore opportunities for digital collaboration and investment between the two countries.

The Pakistan Mission to the UAE, in collaboration with the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT), the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), hosted "Pakistan Night", a high-profile networking event showcasing Pakistan's growing digital ecosystem and connecting local startups with the global innovation community.

Trade Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan said such engagements were vital to promoting Pakistan's IT exports and positioning the country as a competitive digital hub. Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi noted that Pakistan could raise its IT exports from $4 billion to $100 billion through innovation and global partnerships, praising the MoITT's efforts to drive digital transformation.

WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM RADIO PAKISTAN