SAN FRANCISCO: The value of innovative ideas and technology in modernising and developing Pakistan was reaffirmed on Friday, as a new class of Pakistani entrepreneurs gained exposure in California’s Silicon Valley, home to many of the world’s largest technology corporations.

The public-sector representatives in trade delegation were upbeat about the visit they believed delivered more than their expectation in terms of establishing contacts in the relevant public and private circles.

The feedback of Pakistani businessmen who participated in the delegation was also positive. “I am excited over return on my investment in the initiative in terms of exchange of knowledge and introduction to sources that were beyond reach privately. It was worth it,” Shahzad Shahid, CEO of TPS, a provider of in e-commerce and e-banking solutions, told Dawn.

“More than structured presentations at ICT companies head offices, the networking opportunity at TiE, OPEN [Organisation of Pakistani Entrepreneurs in North America] and informal events were more relevant to me,” commented a delegate.

TiE is a global network of successful entrepreneurs focus on providing services to new aspirants through mentoring, networking, education, incubating and funding.

“The talent of two organisations (TiE, OPEN) played an active advisory role in nudging Pakistan towards liberalisation necessary to promote competition and efficiency,” Idris Kothari, founding member and former president of OPEN, told Dawn.

Sajid Sohail, CEO of Jadoo, a company that produced a TV attachment that airs all Asian channels at affordable rates, shared his business model and experience at an informal interaction with delegates.

Pakistan Tele­communication Authority chairman Ismail Shah expects greater activity in the sector with improvement in power supply and the quality of connectivity in Pakistan.

“With time hardware dependence has come down. There is great scope to develop our local pool of talent with the help of well-wishers in the United States,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2014