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Pakistan’s Minister of Information Technology, Syed Aminul Haque, has unveiled ambitious plans to propel the country’s IT exports from the current $2.6 billion to $15 billion in the coming years. Recognizing the need to bridge the gap with global competitors, the government is determined to strengthen the IT sector by increasing investments and focusing on areas where Pakistan has lagged behind.
During a news conference, Minister Haque emphasized the coalition government’s commitment to strengthening the economy, creating job opportunities, boosting remittances, and promoting ease of doing business. With the support of both military and political leadership, the government aims to prioritize these objectives.
To enhance connectivity and capitalize on the potential of digitization, the Ministry of Information Technology is undertaking projects worth Rs77 billion. These projects include improving cyber optic cable networks and expanding 3G and 4G facilities, particularly in remote areas. The minister revealed that these initiatives are scheduled to be completed by December 2023.
Recognizing the significance of skilled professionals in driving IT exports, the government has provided skills training to 3.3 million freelancers. This investment in human capital aims to give a substantial boost to the IT industry and align it with global standards.
Despite these progressive steps, Minister Haque acknowledged the bureaucratic mindset as a hindrance to rapid digitization. He emphasized the importance of online services such as call centers and remittances from freelancers, which are often overlooked by those who prioritize traditional tangible trade.
In pursuit of its digitization goals, the IT ministry has utilized the opportunities presented by the Covid-19 era. It has set ambitious targets and is making rapid progress towards achieving them. Initiatives such as “smartphone for all” and “connectivity for all” are being actively pursued. To promote local manufacturing of mobile phones, the government has supported the reduction in smartphone prices to around Rs20,000 to Rs30,000.
Expanding connectivity to remote areas is a key objective, and 83 projects worth Rs77.8 billion from the Universal Service Fund (USF) are underway to achieve this goal by December 2023.
To further boost the growth of the IT industry, the government is organizing an international IT seminar on July 20. This event aims to attract investments and promote the industry as a significant source of remittances. The government has set plans in motion to ramp up IT exports to $15 billion in the next few years.
Highlighting the importance of skill development, Minister Haque mentioned the success of the Digi Skills programs offered by Ignite. These programs have trained approximately 3.3 million individuals in various courses. Additionally, in 2022, Google trained 15,000 Pakistanis, and negotiations are underway to train around 450,000 more Pakistanis in 2024.
The creation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is expected to address several issues faced by the IT industry. With key representatives from the government and armed forces, the SIFC will provide a platform for the private sector to raise concerns. Inconsistent tax policies have been identified as a major challenge, and the SIFC aims to address such issues to create a more conducive environment for industry growth.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology, under the leadership of Minister Syed Aminul Haque, is committed to transforming the IT sector and increasing IT exports to $15 billion. With a focus on digitization, connectivity, skills development, and investments, the government is taking strategic steps to overcome challenges and propel Pakistan’s IT industry forward.
