Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi, held an important meeting with the Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan, H.E. Dan Stoenescu, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in the fields of science, technology, innovation, and education.
During the meeting, the Romanian Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s commitment to fostering strong collaboration with Pakistan, especially recognising the nation’s steady progress in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and regional technology inclusion.
Ambassador Stoenescu also offered Pakistan access to key European Union-funded programs through Romania’s facilitative role in the EU. These include Horizon Europe (€95.5 billion research and innovation programme), Erasmus+ (education and academic exchange), and the Digital Europe Programme. These platforms create opportunities for Pakistani institutions to engage in collaborative initiatives in AI, cybersecurity, renewable energy, space technology, agriculture, and green innovation.
Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi was briefed on IT potentials of the country. As one of Europe’s fastest-growing innovation hubs, Romania contributes over 6% to its GDP through IT and employs more than 200,000 skilled professionals. The country is recognised for its expertise in cybersecurity, fintech, AI, cloud computing, blockchain, and automotive software, and is home to global tech giants such as Microsoft, IBM, Amazon, and Oracle, alongside a thriving ecosystem of export-oriented local firms.
Federal Minister commended Romania’s leadership in producing globally recognised tech solutions and unicorn companies, and he also expressed Pakistan’s interest in learning from Romania’s successful transition to a knowledge-based economy. He reiterated the importance of technology-led development for Pakistan’s future.
Romania’s vibrant startup ecosystem has produced major players such as UiPath (robotic process automation), Bitdefender (cybersecurity), Elrond (blockchain), and FintechOS (fintech), all valued at over USD 1 billion. Cities like Cluj-Napoca, Timi?oara, Ia?i, Bra?ov, and Bucharest have emerged as dynamic tech hubs supported by academic institutions and innovation parks.
The two sides explored further areas for long-term collaboration. These include establishing joint ventures for software development targeting EU and Gulf markets, capacity building in cybersecurity, academic and tech exchanges between Romania’s innovation hubs and Pakistan’s National Incubation Centers, and joint research in AI, IoT, and blockchain under Horizon Europe and Digital Europe frameworks. Collaboration in e-government solutions and digital public service transformation was also discussed. Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi emphasised on the long-term plans so that relations may be sustained, highlighting the need for institutional partnerships, continuity of programs, and strategic engagement.
To advance the bilateral agenda, Ambassador Stoenescu proposed signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan, and Romania’s National Authority for Digitalization and National Authority for Research. A proposal for organising a Romania–Pakistan Science and Technology Forum, with a special focus on the IT sector, was also tabled.
“Romania stands ready for practical, results-oriented cooperation that supports Pakistan’s national priorities while strengthening our bilateral partnership,” said Ambassador Dan Stoenescu, and also invited the Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi to visit Romania’s top research institutes, universities, and technology parks.
