PR No. 34
Pakistan, China poised to embark on new phase of cooperation in IT, Telecom sector: Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima
Islamabad: July 03, 2024

Minister of State for IT Pakistan and China are Iron brothers and share a deep rooted friendship which has been nurtured over decades by successive generations of leaders and peoples of the two countries. The relationship between Pakistan and China is not merely one of bilateral cooperation but also a proof to the power of collaboration in nurturing economic growth and technological advancement, she said while addressing 'EuroAsia Digital Economy Forum' in Beijing, China on Wednesday. She said CPEC remain a central pillar of our bilateral cooperation and stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and strategic cooperation between our two nations underpinned by mutual respect and shared goals of prosperity. As we look towards the future, it is clear that the integration of digital technologies and the promotion of a robust digital economy will play a key role in propelling this monumental initiative to even greater heights, she said. She said CPEC is a beacon of our shared vision for a prosperous future and a model for international cooperation. "As we embark on the next phase of CPEC under the guidance of the leadership of our two countries, the government of Pakistan is taking a holistic approach by involving the private sector alongside government entities. With the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) on board to ensure security and utmost facilitation, both Pakistan and China are poised to embark on a new phase of cooperation in the IT and Telecom sector." Minister of State for IT said through strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and knowledge exchange initiatives, we aim to leverage each other's strengths to unlock new opportunities for growth and development. The realm of Information Technology and Telecommunications holds immense promise for both Pakistan and China. In an increasingly interconnected world, where digital innovation drives progress, our collaboration in this field is not just beneficial but essential, she maintained. Shaza Fatima said Pakistan's IT and Telecom sector has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, fueled by a vibrant ecosystem of startups, skilled professionals, and supportive government policies. Similarly, China's technological prowess is globally recognized, with its innovative companies leading the way in areas such as telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce. She said under the new government, we are working towards our digital transformation in three verticals: the digital economy, digital governance, and digital society. Pakistan is increasingly adopting digitalization to keep up with the fast-evolving environment. This provides a huge investment and collaboration opportunity for Chinese companies in Pakistan particularly in the areas of IT infrastructures, Cloud computing, IT & IT enabled Services, BPOs and Call Centers, and Chip/smart devices manufacturing, and smart cities, among others, she added. "We recognize the importance of infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and investment incentives in fostering a conducive environment for the IT and Telecom industry to thrive. As such, our governments are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to facilitate collaboration and innovation in this crucial sector." She said the integration of CPEC with our IT and Telecom ambitions will serve as a catalyst for innovation and development. The infrastructure developed under CPEC, including high-speed internet connectivity and advanced communication networks, provides a robust foundation for our digital aspirations. By aligning CPEC's strategic infrastructure with our technological goals, we hope to accelerate digital transformation, enhance e-governance, and promote digital literacy across the nation, she said. She said both Pakistan and China can work together to serve internationally by leveraging each other's strengths. She said this EuroAsia Pakistan Digital Economy Forum serves as a catalyst for fostering meaningful collaborations as this forum will provide a platform for companies from both countries to explore joint ventures, share best practices, and engage in knowledge exchange.

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