ISLAMABAD: Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja this week praised Pakistani tech companies for signing agreements and forming key partnerships at the recently concluded Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) Dubai 2024 event, saying it would “open the doors to new markets” for the country.
The annual GITEX exhibition is considered one of the world’s largest tech shows, connecting industry leaders with major tech and innovation startups, as well as government officials, expert investors and corporate buyers.
This year’s five-day exhibition was held from Oct. 14-18, with the event holding particular significance for Pakistan as it aims to showcase its growing prowess in IT whilst eyeing lucrative markets in the Middle East.
“I want to congratulate all the Pakistani companies that signed MoUs and established key partnerships with international tech leaders,” Khawaja was quoted as saying by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
“These collaborations mark an important step forward for our IT industry, opening doors to new markets, and creating opportunities for innovation.”
The minister noted that Pakistan had been recognized as the Tech Destination of the Year at GITEX Dubai, saying it solidified the South Asian country’s status as an emerging global technology hub.
“Your dedication and hard work have made this event a huge success for Pakistan, showcasing the remarkable potential of our IT industry on the global stage,” Khawaja said in a message to all delegates and exhibitors who participated in the event.
She reiterated the government’s resolve to support the IT industry so that it could reach even newer heights.
“I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I am confident that the success at GITEX will translate into long-term benefits for Pakistan’s technology sector in the days to come,” Khawaja added.
Pakistan’s GITEX Dubai collaborations to open doors to new markets — IT minister
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Pakistan’s GITEX Dubai collaborations to open doors to new markets — IT minister
- Shaza Fatima Khawaja says GITEX Dubai success to translate into “long-term benefits” in future
- Pakistani IT firms signed key agreements with tech companies at Dubai exhibition from Oct. 14-18
At Islamabad conference, Pakistan pitches agriculture as next frontier for Chinese investment
- Hundreds of Chinese and Pakistani firms attended the event focusing on fertilizers, seeds, smart farming and irrigation techniques
- PM Sharif urges Pakistani farmers, businesses and universities to engage with Chinese institutions and experts to modernize agriculture
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday pitched Pakistan’s agriculture sector as the next major frontier for Chinese investment, highlighting opportunities in agri-business, food processing and farming technologies.
The prime minister said this while addressing the Pakistan-China Agriculture Investment Conference, which brought together Chinese and Pakistani agriculturists, entrepreneurs, experts, academicians and government officials.
Hundreds of Chinese and Pakistani firms attended the event that focused on fertilizers, seed varieties, machinery, precision farming and smart irrigation systems, according to the organizers.
Sharif said China had never shied away from providing Pakistan with best possible expertise and technologies, and both sides had signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) at similar summits in Shandong and Beijing in last two years.
“I was very happy to express my satisfaction over the progress we are making in terms of converting these MOUs into agreements,” he said. “Today’s conference is a clear indication that Chinese business houses are more than willing to shake hands with Pakistani business houses.”
The conference was billed by Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research as a platform for deepening bilateral agricultural ties and supporting broader economic engagement between the two countries.
Sharif called on Pakistani farmers, agribusinesses and universities to actively engage with Chinese institutions and experts to modernize the agriculture sector, which accounts for 24 percent of Pakistan’s GDP and employs over 37 percent of its labor force.
“Chinese experts are there to assist us and support us all the way to achieve this wonderful target [of becoming a surplus agricultural economy],” he said. “Now it’s up to us to generate this trade surplus through higher yields, comparative cost and, of course, highest quality.”
Pakistan and China have been expanding cooperation in agriculture under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor framework, with a focus on mechanization, high-yield seeds, livestock development and value-added food processing.
Officials say stronger agricultural ties could help Pakistan boost exports, ensure food security and create jobs, while offering Chinese companies access to a large farming market and new investment opportunities.
The prime minister noted that Pakistan’s policy rate was down to 10.5 percent down from 22 percent two years ago, exports were gradually increasing and macroeconomic indicators were stable.
“Now we have to move toward growth,” he said. “But then it requires solid, hard work, untiring efforts, blood and sweat. Without that, you will not be able to achieve your targets.”
The Pakistan-China Agriculture Investment Conference focused on technology transfer and joint ventures in farming, food processing and agricultural research.
“I would urge upon Pakistani farmers, Pakistani agri-houses, experts, professors, technicians, that please come forward and show your best to your [Chinese] brothers and sisters,” Sharif said.
“China is ready, ladies and gentlemen, to support Pakistan like always in the past. Let us make use of this opportunity. Let us stand up and accept this challenge and make Pakistan great through untiring efforts, through hard work.”
