ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was required to boost its IT exports to $ 25 billion and IT investment to $ 20 billion within span of two to three years, as government had already placed mechanism to ensure one-window operations to facilitate investors. “This is something doable. This is difficult but not impossible. We have to achieve this target under all circumstances through your support and expertise,” he said while addressing an IT seminar and launching ceremony of multiple IT-related projects here.

PM told gathering of diplomats, IT experts, investors, entrepreneurs, professors and students that Special Investment Facilitation Council would sit with them to discuss issues and find out solutions and move forward like corporate culture.

He said Pakistan was rich with immense youth potential with youngster getting modern skills with each passing day but export figure hovering around $ 2.5 billion did not justify potential owing to lack of support and archaic procedures. He cited example of neighbouring country that had excelled in field of IT and IT exports, adding that Pakistan was also positioned to claim its space. Calling investors his “Masters” he said government would extend all-out facilities to them through SIFC as he himself chaired apex committee and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir was also playing his full role. He said SIFC would focus on boosting investment in agriculture, IT, mining and defence production. Gulf countries were willing to invest in Pakistan and country would also benefit from their investment to generate revenue and enhance exports.

He said government would act as partner and catalyst to provide all kinds of support to investors. Mentioning “Wastage of energies” during last four years of previous government, he urged to move forward to change landscape of history.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 21 2023

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