BEIJING: Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China had opened doors to unparalleled opportunities in information technology sector. “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor serves as cornerstone of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China, offering multitude of opportunities for joint ventures and technology-driven initiatives,” she said while addressing opening ceremony of Global Digital Economy Conference (GDEC) 2024.

“Integration of digital technologies into CPEC projects holds promise of unlocking new avenues for economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.” Be it artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, e-commerce or digital infrastructure, she said, there existed immense potential for joint ventures, knowledge exchange, networking opportunities and skill development. She pointed out that vast potential of China’s IT market presented significant opportunity to foreign companies, including those from Pakistan, to expand their business and boost exports.

“Partnership between Pakistan and China has continued to flourish, reflecting long-standing tradition of collaboration and mutual growth. This partnership takes significant step forward as two sides convene to explore vast potential in the IT sector,” she remarked. Global landscape has witnessed digital revolution in recent years, which positions IT sector as cornerstone of economic development, innovation and social transformation.

“Pakistan’s IT sector has emerged as powerful catalyst for economic growth. According to Kearney’s Global Services Location Index in 2022, Pakistan is most attractive destination for outsourcing. With around 20,000 registered IT and IT-enabled services companies exporting to over 170 countries, sector’s growth has remained robust,” she added.

It may be noted that 20 top IT companies of Pakistan is participating in GDEC 2024 and are expected to sign MoUs to enhance cooperation in IT between China and Pakistan. Minister emphasised that success could be attributed to several key factors as Pakistan was producing approximately 75,000 IT graduates annually and had skilled and dynamic workforce that met global standards. Also, country offers offshore services with 70 percent reduction in operational costs compared to the western destinations.