Aurangzeb showcases IT sector’s potential at World Economic Forum

Published January 24, 2025
FINANCE Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb (second from right) participates in a session titled ‘Hacking Trade and Investment’ at WEF in Davos.—APP
FINANCE Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb (second from right) participates in a session titled ‘Hacking Trade and Investment’ at WEF in Davos.—APP

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb has emphasised that Pakistan has made significant vertical progress in information technology and is home to the third-largest population of freelancers, which he said is fortunate for the country.

Speaking at a high-level panel discussion — on the “Role of New Technologies in Promoting Trade and Investment” — at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Thursday, he highlighted the crucial role of information technology in Pakistan’s development and stability, according to a press release issued by the finance ministry.

Mr Aurangzeb emphasised that providing the best eco-system, robust infrastructure, bandwidth, banking options, policy framework, and policy continuity was the top priority for the IT sector in Pakistan.

He said Pakistan was the first country to implement the Digital Foreign Direct Investment Initiative and highlighted horizontal expansion of IT to benefit from its universal benefits. The Pakistan Digital Foreign Direct Investment Initiative would help drive this growth, he added.

Discusses Pakistan’s digital transformation with VEON delegation

The minister said consultations with stakeholders in the IT sector were underway to promote digital infrastructure, digital adoption, and new digital services. He said Pakistan’s monthly IT exports reached a record high of $384 million in December and helped Pakistan expand its traditional export base, adding that collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) will strengthen the IT sector.

He said special technology zones will be operationalised, and the private sector will be made a leader in the country’s economic development, creating job opportunities.

Mr Aurangzeb said Abu Dhabi DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports have invested in Pakistan’s maritime and ports sector adding Pakistan would work with these companies to improve security and efficiency in customs.

Discussions at the World Economic Forum focused on the role of new technologies, including AI, in revolutionising trade and making investment more accurate and profitable. Preparations for IT solutions related to trade, finance, and investment, as well as their effective and profitable use in global markets, were also discussed.

Meanwhile, the finance minister also attended the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders (IGWEL) session, titled Viable Growth in a Volatile Era.

The session focused on strategies for achieving sustainable and inclu-sive growth amid global economic uncertainties.

Mr Aurangzeb participated as a speaker in a live-streamed session, titled Hacking Trade and Investment.

The finance minister also met Minister for Finance of Egypt Ahmed Kouchouk and briefed him on the governments measures for achieving macroeconomic stability.

The two ministers also shared their experiences in addressing national economic and development challenges.

Meeting with VEON delegation

Meanwhile, VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu and Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim met Finance Minister Aurangzeb on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos and discussed JazzCash’s role in strengthening Pakistan’s digital payments infrastructure and promoting documentation of economy.

The discussions focused on expanding existing cooperation in fintech services and broadening digital inclusivity in Pakistan. They also deliberated on the country’s journey toward economic growth and digital transformation.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2025

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

A positive note
Updated 10 Feb, 2025

A positive note

With govt unable to press growth accelerator without upending fragile recovery, sufferings of low-middle-income households are unlikely to disappear soon.
Justice for all
10 Feb, 2025

Justice for all

ALONG with his domestic agenda, Donald Trump is busy ripping to shreds the post-World War II ‘rules-based...
Held back
10 Feb, 2025

Held back

IT is a crying shame how women are conspicuously absent from Pakistan’s civil services. Despite comprising half ...
Race against time
Updated 09 Feb, 2025

Race against time

While some bright spots emerged at Breathe Pakistan moot, we must streamline our climate governance.
Open door
09 Feb, 2025

Open door

THE door is still open for talks, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has reminded the PTI. What matters, however,...
Football suspension
09 Feb, 2025

Football suspension

ONCE again, Pakistan has been ousted from the global football family. FIFA recently suspended the Pakistan Football...