ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for IT and Telecommunication Dr. Umar Saif said that government was taking various steps to provide all possible facilities to Information Technology and telecom industry.

"No doubt about potential in Pakistan's IT sector, industry is playing significant role in stability of country's economy, government is taking steps to provide all possible facilities to IT industry"  he said. Addressing Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony for strategic partnership between HBL and Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), Minister said there was need to be Brand Pakistan and marketed globally in desired manner.

He said, "I am delighted to be part of event and hope that this collaboration will play vital role and fostering growth and development of IT sector domestically and internationally."

Mentioning role of Special Investment Facilitation Council, he said that all required facilities were being provided to boost IT and telecom sector.

Dr. Saif highlighted SIFC's recent decision that IT companies could now retain 50 percent of their revenue in dollar accounts. These companies will also be provided with corporate debit cards by banks, which can be freely used to make international payments.

This step, he said, had been taken on recommendation of IT industry (P@SHA) and aimed to encourage Information Technology and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) to boost export earnings and bring additional foreign exchange into country.

As per MoU, HBL has entered multi-year partnership with Pakistan Software Houses Association to support them in launching series of impactful engagements locally and globally.

Muhammad Aurangzeb President, CEO HBL said, "We believe that IT industry has potential to be major driver of economic growth and job creation in Pakistan."

Muhammad Zohaib Khan Chairman P@SHA said, "With HBL by our side, P@SHA is ready to embark on transformative journey for Pakistan's tech landscape."