ISLAMABAD: Pakistani technology firms and startups will be participating in the 2nd edition of LEAP exhibition in the Saudi capital of Riyadh from Feb 6 till Feb 9 to showcase their innovative technology solutions and products for leading global information technology and telecommunication-related companies, Pakistan’s trade mission in Riyadh said on Friday. 

The LEAP exhibition is a global tech convention that provides a platform for bringing together one of the finest brains in the global tech industry from around the world to discover new ideas, build partnerships, and connect with inspiring mentors and investors to tap into the limitless potential of tech for a positive future. 

With the close collaboration of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Pakistan Software Housing Association (P@SHA), top 18 Pakistani tech companies and 10 startups will be showcasing cutting-edge solutions at the 2nd LEAP edition in Saudi Arabia. 

“These services include, but are not limited to artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of things (IoT), Block chain & crypto, Robotics, 3D printing, Space and Satellites Biotech, Quantum, Fintech, 5G, Open source, unmanned systems, and Data services,” the Pakistani trade mission said in a statement. 

“The effort is concentrated toward representing Pakistan as a Tech Destination and shine the light on IT export potential of Pakistan.” 

Pakistan’s IT industry has steadily grown in recent years, witnessing a flattering 77 percent growth in 2022. The country posted a growth of 150 percent in IT exports from fiscal year 2019 to 2022, according to the statement. 

Pakistan’s IT exports contributed $2.6 billion in FY 2022 alone. No other industry in Pakistan has achieved so much growth in export numbers over the last few years in comparison. 

This immense export potential is evident from Pakistan’s existing 60+ data centers & tech parks, 600,000 IT professionals and a thriving freelance force, making the South Asian country a fast emerging IT hub and a tech destination in the world. 

Pakistan is one of the biggest suppliers of online labor in software development and technology, and a financially attractive location in the world for offshore outsourcing services. 

Investment opportunities in the country’s IT industry range from AI, block chain, AR/VR, gaming and animation, tech incubators, software development centers to IT startups. 

The Pakistani trade mission in Riyadh said it was facilitating all Pakistani delegations in LEAP 2023. 

“Azhar Ali Dahar, Minister (Trade & Investment) has organized series of business engagements and B2B sessions of visiting Pakistani delegates with Riyadh Chambers and Saudi Federation of Chambers and all main leading Saudi IT Companies in B2B session for enhanced networking,” it said. 

“LEAP Riyadh is a perfectly timed opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its IT/Telco companies on an international trade platform and expanding business in the Middle East market, especially in Saudi Arabia which is under transformation by implementing Vision 2030.” 

The mission urged Pakistani companies to participate in all LEAP exhibitions in the coming years to increase their share in IT businesses.