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The IT sector in Pakistan reached a new milestone at the Pakistan-U.S. Tech Investment Conference in California, where American companies, led by Pakistani-American entrepreneurs, pledged over $20 million upfront, according to a news release from the embassy.
The Ministry of Commerce, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and the Pakistani Consulate in Los Angeles supported the event, which was inaugurated by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh.
Two California-based local partners were OPEN-SV and the Pakistan-American Tech Council (PTC).
A diverse group of attendees, including representatives from IT companies, venture capitalists, tech experts, and the Pakistani diaspora, gathered at Stanford University for a conference presided over by Asim Ali Khan, Consul General in Los Angeles. There were also dignitaries, government officials, and journalists present.
Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, minister of state for information technology and telecommunications, reiterated the government’s aim to advance the IT sector and reach an export target of $25 billion during her keynote speech. She urged the diaspora to take advantage of new opportunities by highlighting strategic efforts to create an atmosphere that is attractive to investors.
Pakistan’s IT Growth Hits $3B, Inviting US Investment & Collaboration
The fact that Pakistan’s IT exports have already exceeded $3 billion, as pointed out by Ms. Khawaja, is evidence of the government’s commitment to supporting the sector, encouraging innovation, and maintaining technical and economic progress.
Ambassador Sheikh emphasized the geostrategic advantages, competitive quality, and cost-effectiveness of Pakistan’s information technology sector, which is powered by a young workforce that is both talented and resilient. He hoped that the Pakistani-American IT community could facilitate commercial cooperation and encouraged American companies to investigate Pakistan’s vibrant market. He cleared up some confusion and reiterated Pakistan’s allure as an investment destination on a global scale.
Under the leadership of PSEB’s CEO, a delegation of eleven Pakistani entrepreneurs showcased the expanding potential of the sector. The presence of a U.S. State Department economic team representative for Pakistan further demonstrated the strong support between the two countries.
US-Pakistan IT Conference Boosts Investment and Innovation
Software development, artificial intelligence, financial technology, health technology, e-commerce, and other related fields showcased their projects at the conference, with the goals of creating jobs, luring international investment, and bringing Pakistan’s IT industry into the global market. This conference was a demonstration of Pakistan’s successful economic diplomacy, and delegates praised the government for taking the initiative in the innovation arena.
The head of PSEB, the head of OPEN-GLOBAL, and representatives from new businesses were among the notable attendees. The CBD Punjab showed its state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to attract investors from the US. Insights from a senior Google executive were shared at a panel discussion that showcased success stories of American companies involved in Pakistan’s information technology sector. Topics covered ranged from software development and semiconductor design.
Ambassador Sheikh proposed the “Digital Trinity” idea, which would bring together Saudi funding, Pakistan’s trained manpower, and American technology to foster mutual progress in the information technology industry. The ceremony highlighted the long-lasting partnership between the two countries, with technology playing a pivotal role in driving social and economic advancement.
