ITT minister: ICT industry ready for investments

Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the state minister for information technology and telecommunications, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to encouraging investments in ICTs through a number of flagship projects, including the national fiberization plan, Special Technology Zones (STZs), and programs to guarantee that the general public has affordable access to fast broadband internet and smart digital devices.

In her keynote address at the 24th ITCN Asia, “Declaring Pakistan as the Regional ICT Hub,” she announced the government’s plan to intensify efforts to produce laptops domestically in order to increase exports to other nations and make digital devices more accessible at a reasonable cost.

In order to take advantage of all the prospects in Pakistan, she continued, “the government is keen on fostering an ecosystem conducive to foreign and local IT companies and investors through policymaking, legislation, skill development, and infrastructure development.” Furthermore, initiatives are being made to support women’s economic inclusion by expanding access to IT and education. She also emphasized the National Digital Commission’s establishment, which offers the private sector a number of possibilities by concentrating on the economy, government, and society while advancing the nation’s digital environment. She predicted that IT businesses will use government assistance to improve Pakistan’s standing as a regional and international center of technology.

Over the previous 24 years, Khawaja praised ITCN Asia for giving public sector organizations, regional and international IT firms, foreign investors, and delegates a useful platform to influence the growth of the IT and telecom industries.

With plans to boost its GDP by $5.9 billion by 2030, Pakistan’s participation in the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) demonstrates its dedication to become a key player in the global IT ecosystem.

Pakistan’s proactive attitude in using digital transformation to support its economy and its endeavors to provide a favorable atmosphere for investors and tech giants were highly appreciated by Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary General of DCO. Noting Pakistan’s importance for freelancers in the global gig economy, she said, “Pakistan offers the right framework for collaboration and digital transformation, playing a crucial role in its region and beyond.”

Ayesha Humera Morani, Acting CEO PSEB and Additional Secretary IT, emphasized the nation’s ability to act as a digital corridor between regions, allowing international corporations to save money.