Mr. Abdul Wahab Ahmad, Convener of the Standing Committee on IT Infrastructure Development and Trainings at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industries, participated in the event of Tech Destination Pakistan Rejuvenate upon invitation from Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, falls under the umbrella of Digital Pakistan initiative by the Ministry of IT & Telecom, Pakistan.
In his address, Dr. Umar Saif highlighted a remarkable 13% growth in Pakistan’s IT exports, aiming to elevate the current $2.60 billion to $10 billion. The government is dedicated to achieving this milestone.
The Pakistani government plans to introduce a startup fund with foreign investors, offering equity-free funding. Additionally, there are initiatives to enhance internet connectivity twentyfold using fiber optic networks. Recognizing the importance of digital skills, especially through Digit Skills.pk, the government acknowledges its role in fostering a vibrant freelancer community. SME Abdul Wahab Ahmad has contributed by teaching an eCommerce course within this framework.
The government aims to establish 10,000 e-Rozgar centers nationwide, equipped with state-of-the-art labs for freelancers. This initiative, initially launched in Punjab, is expanding across Pakistan, utilizing university labs to ensure uninterrupted electricity and high-speed internet access.
For international payments, freelancers now have the option to use PayPal through a third-party wallet, with a minimum withdrawal of ten (10) dollars. The State Bank of Pakistan will generate a swift code to facilitate efficient transfers.
His Excellency Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar emphasizes that the IT sector can lead Pakistan out of crises, pledging unwavering support. He commits to going the extra mile to nurture the sector, recognizing its transformative potential for the nation’s overall development and resilience in challenging times.
Prime Minister elaborated that freelancers in Pakistan are actively delivering IT services across 190 countries, positioning the nation as the third-largest contributor to the global freelancing landscape. The burgeoning tech industry is set to propel economic growth, establishing Pakistan as a key tech destination. As the IT sector expands, so does the potential for overall economic development in the country. The implementation of Pakistan’s forward-thinking digital policies ensures that people reap increased benefits. Notably, the proliferation of Software Technology Parks has now reached an impressive 30, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fostering technological innovation and economic advancement.