Syed Amin-ul-Haque, the federal minister for information technology, stated that Pakistan is aiming high and wants to export $15 billion worth of IT over the next three years.
He was speaking at a panel discussion on “Promoting U.S.-Pakistan Innovation and Investment” at the NED University of Engineering and Technology’s National Incubation Centre Karachi (NICK).
In addition to Dr. Syed Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of the Institute of Business Administration, and Atif Rais Khan, Founder, and CEO of technology business LMKT, Dilawar Syed, Special Representative (S/R) for Commercial and Business Affairs for the U.S. Department of State, spoke on the panel.
According to the minister, Pakistan’s IT exports totaled $2.6 billion in the fiscal year 2021–2022 while the goal was set at $3 billion for 2022–2023
He stated that the IT Ministry was totally committed to increasing IT exports to $ 15 in its three-year goal.
He said that the IT Ministry has taken numerous actions to advance the industry in line with the goal of “Digital Pakistan” which led to an increase in the nation’s internet access, broadband, and cellular coverage.
Currently, 193 million Pakistanis have access to mobile phones and the internet, up from 160 million in FY 2018–19.
According to Aminul Haque, the government is aiming to provide 5G in Pakistan this year by assuring a consistent monthly increase in broadband coverage and the adoption of 4G technology.
After digitizing all federal departments and holding paperless cabinet meetings, the minister stated that “we are working to materialize the objective of a paperless parliament till coming March.”
He claimed that the National Incubation Centers (NICs) were crucial in fostering entrepreneurship and that more than 1,000 firms had been established throughout the nation, leading to the creation of hundreds of new jobs.
From $75 million in FY 2019–20, the financial volume of startups unexpectedly expanded five times (500%) to $373 million.
The IT minister stated that women make up 36% of NICs and that percentage will increase to 50% in the upcoming year, underscoring the significance of gender inclusivity in national growth.
To read our blog on “In just ten months, Pakistan has recorded its highest-ever IT exports,” click here.
