IT exports from Pakistan have increased by 25%, and the government is determined to maintain this momentum in order to reach the $25 billion milestone.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, made this statement during her video-link talk at the inaugural Pak-US Tech Investment Conference 2024.
She stated “Pakistan’s tech ecosystem has shown remarkable growth over the last few years, propelled by a thriving environment of entrepreneurship, innovation, and strong governmental support.
The Pak-US Tech Investment Conference is a significant step in advancing our goals, providing a platform for further collaboration between both nations’ businesses.”
According to Fatima, the IT sector in Pakistan has grown promisingly in recent years and IT exports have also increased. It is because of a thriving innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and a steadfast dedication to expansion.
She continued “This event is a crucial step in accomplishing that goal because it gives U.S. and Pakistani businesses a platform to collaborate.”
According to the minister, we have made great strides in giving businesses access to a secure online environment.
Pakistan has thus been placed in Tier-1 (Role-Modeling) of the ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index, alongside world leaders like the US and Japan.
She continued by saying that this is a reflection of our combined efforts in cybersecurity.
Programs like the National Cyber Security Policy, CERT guidelines, nCERT, Cyber Security Regulations, Hackathons, cloud first policy are included.
According to her, Pakistan has also advanced significantly. Pakistan moved up 14 spots from its 2022 ranking in the UN E-Government Development Index.
“We are now proudly in the High EGDI category, which reflects our increasing strength in digital innovation and e-governance.”
According to her, more than 60% of Pakistan’s exports of IT and ITeS go to the US and the UK. It is a testament to the caliber of the job our businesses and independent contractors do.
She said, “The government is committed to nurturing our IT sector and fostering a digital ecosystem that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship.
We are on a clear path toward National Digitization, supported by the formation of a National Digital Commission and the Pakistan Digital Authority, which will soon be legislated.”
Fatima said, Pakistan is also becoming a more alluring location for foreign technology partners and investors.
Modern amenities, tax breaks, and a very encouraging business climate are all provided by Pakistan. According to her, 75,000 fresh IT graduates join Pakistan’s workforce each year.
Young people make up about 63% of Pakistan’s population. One of our greatest advantages is the youth bulge.
We are investing in their education, training, and certifications, to ensure that we have creative and productive young people who can contribute both domestically and abroad, she said.
Minister Khawaja concluded, “Pakistan’s youth are ready to drive the future of innovation. We are equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in the digital age, positioning Pakistan as a leader in global tech development.”
