[ad_1]
The Pakistani government aims to accelerate digitization to boost socio-economic development, expand the knowledge-based economy, and stimulate economic growth. The State Minister for IT and Telecommunication emphasized the importance of rapid ICT adoption and creating a conducive environment for the IT industry, citing significant growth in IT exports and a growing pool of freelancers.
[ad_2]
The government is committed to creating an accelerated digitization ecosystem to drive socio-economic development, expand the knowledge-based economy, and spur economic growth. State Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima, emphasized the importance of rapid adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) for Pakistan’s socio-economic advancement, while inaugurating the 2nd edition of ITCN Asia 2024.
Pakistan has made significant progress in the IT industry, with 24% growth in IT exports reaching $3.22 billion this year. The country’s Digital Pakistan Policy serves as a blueprint for digital transformation across both government and private sectors, ensuring Pakistan remains at the forefront of technological advancement.
The government has prioritized the establishment of software technology parks and special technology zones across the country, as well as the introduction of e-Rozgar centers, which provide working spaces equipped with facilities and training resources to bolster the economy. Pakistan’s vast pool of approximately 1 million freelancers has also been leveraged, making the country one of the top countries in the gig economy.
Experts from Pakistan’s IT and business sectors urged policymakers to consider the broader impact of IT policies on the economy, businesses, and the country’s global reputation. They emphasized the need for conducive policies to facilitate growth, particularly in IT exports and freelancer payments.
Pakistan Software House Association Chairman Zohaib Khan appreciated the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in boosting Pakistan’s economy and investment, particularly in the IT sector. He noted the continuity of IT development over the past three terms and highlighted the growth in IT exports, which reached $3.2 billion in the 2023-24 financial year.
Pakistan has also explored new export destinations in the last few years, strengthening the country’s brand worldwide and enhancing export earnings. The country’s talented human capital has developed various solutions for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the African continent, and it is essential to focus on growing its media-in-Pakistan brands.
Islamic Chamber of Commerce Secretary General Yousef Hasan Khalawi emphasized Pakistan’s potential to become a global hub of IT, mainly in the fields of agriculture and IT. He pledged the chamber’s support in helping the country achieve this goal. Technology has transformed the dynamics of education, agriculture, health, and other crucial sectors, and mobile phones and connectivity have improved life, particularly in rural areas.
The event, organized by Ecommerce Gateway, hosted over 300 speakers, 70,000 industry participants, and 350 foreign delegates from 17 countries, underscoring the global interest in Pakistan’s IT potential.
