Pakistan to Host Inaugural Digital FDI Summit in April

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to host its first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) event on April 29 and 30, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital and technological advancement. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced that the initiative aims to attract global investors and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the digital economy.

Addressing ambassadors and officials from Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) member states, Khawaja emphasized that the Digital FDI Initiative will help countries develop policies to encourage investments in the tech sector. She extended an open invitation to international stakeholders, highlighting the event as a major opportunity for Pakistan’s growing digital landscape.

“This is our chance to showcase Pakistan as a new hub for technology and innovation,” she stated, reinforcing the country’s commitment to expanding its digital footprint.

The event will bring together global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders for high-level discussions, networking sessions, and collaborative engagements. With the backing of the DCO—an organization led by Saudi Arabia—the summit is expected to attract participation from multiple countries, positioning Pakistan as a key player in digital investment dialogues.

Pakistan’s Expertise in Cybersecurity and Fintech

Highlighting Pakistan’s competitive advantages, Khawaja pointed out that the country has a young and skilled workforce, with over 150 million people under the age of 35. She noted that Pakistan’s expertise in cybersecurity, fintech, and emerging technologies is rapidly growing, with several startups on the verge of reaching unicorn status.

The government has implemented various initiatives to foster entrepreneurship and attract foreign investment, including National Incubation Centers and Special Technology Zones that offer incentives like 10-year tax exemptions and profit repatriation flexibility. The upcoming IT Park in Islamabad is another step toward creating an enabling environment for tech businesses, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Khawaja acknowledged the need for improved international payment systems, pointing out that while Pakistan ranks as the third-largest freelancing economy, the lack of efficient global payment gateways limits its potential. She highlighted this gap as an opportunity for foreign fintech firms looking to enter the market.

To further strengthen Pakistan’s digital workforce, the government has set an ambitious goal of training over three million people in digital skills over the next three years. With support from the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s office, the initiative aims to prepare Pakistani youth for global technology opportunities.