ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Google Director Ann Lavin met on Wednesday to discuss possible collaboration in digitalisation of economic activities in Pakistan.

Ms Lavin, who is Google’s Director for Public Policy and Government Relations in Southeast Asia and Greater China, acknowledged the economic progress of Pakistan in last three years.

She said her company could play a role in IT development, promotion of e-commerce and assist in attracting investment in Pakistan.

The finance minister asked her to submit a plan so it could be considered by the relevant stakeholders.

He said the government was committed to provide a level playing field to all prospective local and foreign investors.

The finance minister said a number of new entrants had shown keen interest to invest in Pakistan’s IT sector as well.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of Finance Division and Google representatives.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2017