Pakistan: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, inaugurated the Pakistan-U.S. Tech Investment Conference at Stanford University, in California. The conference, organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s IT sector, with American companies, led by Pakistani-American entrepreneurs, committing over $20 million in initial investments.
According to Radio Pakistan, the event was supported by key Pakistani institutions such as the Ministry of IT and Telecom, Ministry of Commerce, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). It also saw collaboration with local partners, including OPEN-SV and the Pakistan-American Tech Council (PTC). The conference attracted a wide array of participants, including IT firms, venture capitalists, industry professionals, and prominent members of the Pakistani diaspora.
In her keynote address, the Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Ms. Sh
aza Fatima Khawaja, emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing Pakistan’s IT sector. She highlighted the country’s goal of achieving a $25 billion export target, noting that Pakistan’s IT exports have already surpassed $3 billion. Minister Khawaja also underscored key government initiatives aimed at fostering an investor-friendly environment and urged the Pakistani diaspora to seize the growing opportunities in the sector.
She stated that Pakistan’s IT sector is thriving, and the government is fully committed to creating an ecosystem that supports innovation and growth. She further mentioned that the focus is not just on economic progress but also on creating high-quality jobs and fostering technological advancements.
In his remarks, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh spoke about Pakistan’s strategic position and its growing reputation as an attractive destination for tech investments. He emphasized the country’s competitive edge in terms of cost-effectiveness, a youthful and skilled workforce, and the
government’s efforts to capitalize on its demographic dividend.
The conference also showcased the innovation within Pakistan’s tech ecosystem, with a delegation from the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) presenting 11 promising Pakistani startups specializing in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, HealthTech, and software development. A U.S. State Department representative further underscored the importance of U.S.-Pakistan economic collaboration in driving innovation and entrepreneurship.
A panel discussion featuring notable leaders, including the CEO of PSEB, the President of OPEN-GLOBAL, and experts from U.S. companies operating in Pakistan, highlighted the successful integration of Pakistan’s IT landscape into the global market. The session focused on topics like semiconductor design, software development, and the growing potential for foreign investment in Pakistan’s tech sector.
One of the conference’s most notable presentations came from the Central Business District (CBD) Punjab, w
hich highlighted its advanced IT infrastructure and the region’s appeal to U.S. investors. Additionally, a senior Google executive shared insights into the future of technology and the role that Pakistan’s IT sector could play in shaping that future.
Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh concluded the event by unveiling the “Digital Trinity” concept, proposing a three-way partnership between U.S. technology, Saudi investment, and Pakistan’s skilled workforce to achieve shared growth and drive technological progress across the region. The conference underscored the continuing strength of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, with technology serving as a crucial channel for socio-economic development.