ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Information Technology Minister Dr. Umar Saif said on Wednesday that Pakistan’s talented manpower and its IT companies can play an important role in Qatar’s digitization, upon his return from a four-day official visit to the Middle Eastern country.
Saif returned to Islamabad from Doha on Wednesday after leading Pakistan’s first-ever IT delegation to Qatar. His visit, which began on Saturday, was aimed at attracting investment and exploring opportunities for Pakistani software houses and freelance developers.
During his visit, the minister led representatives of 30 leading Pakistani IT companies at meetings with officials of Qatari firms in Doha.
“Talented Pakistanis and Pakistani IT companies can play an important role in Qatar’s digitization,” Saif said in a statement.
He said Pakistani IT companies will be able to provide their professional services in Qatar after they are registered in the country.
“Like Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, [Pakistan’s IT delegation] has received a very encouraging response from Qatar as well,” Saif said.
He thanked Qatari business groups and officials for their “excellent hospitality and professional response” toward the Pakistani delegation.
In line with broader trends in the Gulf region, Qatar is actively diversifying its economy and focusing on the technology sector, taking smart city initiatives, launching tech start-ups and hosting technologically advanced events like the FIFA World Cup 2022.
The strategic shift includes the adoption of advanced digital technologies, such as AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity, to transition into a knowledge-based economy.
