During visit to Qatar, Pakistani minister says he is ‘well equipped’ to meet Gulf country’s growing IT needs
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s caretaker Information Technology Minister Dr Umar Saif on Sunday said the South Asian country was “well equipped” to meet Qatar’s growing IT needs, as he led the representatives of 30 major Pakistani IT companies in meetings with Qatari company officials in Doha.
Pakistan’s first-ever IT delegation to Qatar arrived in Doha on Saturday for a five-day visit, aiming to attract investments and explore opportunities for Pakistani software companies and independent developers.
In line with broader trends in the Gulf region, Qatar is actively diversifying its economy and focusing on the technology sector, taking on smart city initiatives, launching tech start-ups and hosting technologically advanced events like the Cup. of the FIFA World Cup 2022. This strategic shift includes the adoption of advanced digital technologies, such as AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity, to shift to a knowledge-based economy.
On Sunday, an event titled “Pak-Qatar Tech Connect” brought together eminent speakers from the public and private sectors, who highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration and trade between the two countries, according to Pakistan’s IT Ministry. The event served as a platform for impactful business-to-business (B2B) interactions.
“Pakistan, a vast country just a two-hour drive away, has a robust IT infrastructure, a plethora of IT products and services, and a pool of skilled professionals who can undoubtedly meet the growing IT needs of Qatar,” Saif told Arab News from Doha.
The minister said he highlighted Pakistan’s IT potential at the Doha conference, which included “exciting meetings” with Qatari companies to establish collaboration with Pakistani IT companies.
“This time 30 Pakistani companies are participating in this conference, but in the near future Pakistan will introduce 300 IT companies in Qatar,” he said. “There is huge potential for Pakistani companies to expand their businesses in Qatar. »
Saif expressed hope that the Pakistan-Qatar IT conference would serve as a catalyst for stronger ties, shared growth and enhanced technological cooperation between the two countries.
“We also had a great meeting with Qatar Financial Center CEO Yousaf Mohammad Al-Jaida and his team to help establish a process and incentive programs for Pakistani IT companies to expand their operations in Qatar “, did he declare.
The Pakistani delegation’s visit aims to forge a common and secure platform for professionals from both countries to seamlessly share their knowledge, expertise and technological advancements, according to Pakistan’s IT minister.
Both countries can take their technology landscape to new heights by leveraging their technical knowledge.
“This collaboration aims to create a secure technology ecosystem, aligned with Qatar’s remarkable progress in automating various business sectors,” he said.
“I invite my counterpart Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al-Mannai to visit Pakistan at his convenience to see for himself the technological developments and the potential for collaboration between our nations.”
He appreciated the role of Qatar Financial Center and Qatar Free Zone in providing an international platform for Pakistani companies to establish and launch innovative businesses in Qatar.
Zohaib Khan, President, Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), said that today’s main focus was on B2B interactions, which included the participation of Pakistan’s top 30 IT companies specializing in cybersecurity, digital transformation and various other IT services.
“Qatar companies have shown significant interest in fintech, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital transformation,” he told Arab News by telephone. “Many Pakistani companies have landed promising leads, which are expected to materialize in the coming weeks. »
Khan said collaborations were underway with Qatari companies and several Pakistani entities were considering registering in the Gulf country.
Upcoming events will focus on government-to-government (G2G) meetings, which are expected to have a very positive impact on Pakistan’s IT exports through increased remittances, he added.
