Pakistan’s IT sector takes a bold step forward as Dr. Umar Saif, the Caretaker Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, unveils the nation’s inaugural IT Export Strategy. Crafted in collaboration with esteemed international partners such as PricewaterhouseCoopers and Oxford University, the strategy sets an ambitious goal of elevating IT exports by $10 billion within the next three years. A key aspect involves bolstering the IT workforce with 200,000 skilled professionals through initiatives like the dollar retention facility and the Pakistan Startup Fund.
The strategy places emphasis on collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to attract Foreign Direct Investment, viewing it as pivotal in enabling the sector’s growth. Dr. Saif’s vision extends beyond mere monetary gains, with a comprehensive approach targeting human resource development, capacity building, and support for freelancers and startups. The goal is to fortify Pakistan’s IT ecosystem, creating resilience and fostering innovation.
This strategy marks a significant leap towards positioning Pakistan as a global IT hub, not just through increased exports but by nurturing a robust domestic industry. Dr. Saif’s holistic vision, backed by international collaboration and strategic initiatives, paints a promising picture of Pakistan’s evolving role in the rapidly advancing field of information technology.
