BEIJING, July 2 (APP): Minister of State for IT and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, highlighted the immense opportunities in the IT sector arising from the all-weather strategic cooperative Pak-China Strategic Partnership between Pakistan and China.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Global Digital Economy Conference 2024, she emphasized how the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serves as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, offering numerous opportunities for joint ventures and technology-driven initiatives.

Shaza Fatima stressed the integration of digital technologies into CPEC projects, promising new avenues for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. She pointed out the potential for collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and digital infrastructure, fostering knowledge exchange, networking, and skill development.

Highlighting the vast potential of China’s IT market, Shaza Fatima noted the significant opportunity for foreign companies, including those from Pakistan, to expand their businesses and boost exports. She mentioned that 20 leading IT companies from Pakistan are participating in GDEC 2024, with expectations to sign MoUs enhancing IT cooperation between China and Pakistan.

Shaza Fatima underscored Pakistan’s robust IT sector growth, driven by a dynamic workforce of approximately 75,000 IT graduates annually. The sector benefits from government support through the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), offering 100% equity ownership, capital repatriation, and income tax credits for IT exports.

Pakistan’s strategic time zone and over 100 Software Technology Parks and Special Technology Zones provide an enabling environment for innovation and growth. Pakistani IT companies offer diverse products and services, complementing global counterparts and paving the way for extensive collaboration.

She also acknowledged China’s leadership in technology and innovation, with significant advancements in artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and 5G technology. The Belt and Road Initiative and the Digital Silk Route project underline China’s commitment to a connected, technologically advanced world.

Shaza Fatima concluded by stating that the ongoing Global Digital Economy Conference acts as a catalyst for fostering meaningful collaborations, providing a platform for joint ventures, best practice sharing, and knowledge exchange. The forum helps navigate regulatory landscapes, address cross-border challenges, and promote sustainable business growth.

The 4th GDEC will be held at the China National Convention Center (Beijing) from July 2nd to 5th, 2024, themed “Embarking on a New Era of Digital Intelligence, Sharing a New Future of Digital Economy”.

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