ISLAMABAD: IT & ITeS export receipts rose by $541 million to $2.82 billion, showing a trade surplus of $2.42bn, during July-March, according to Economic Survey 2024-25 released on Monday.

The ICT exports included a contribution of $400 million by the freelancers, and the survey highlighted that the tech-savvy and professional youth are set to become a regional hub for digital services, tech entrepreneurship, and high-value software exports.

During 9MFY25, significant strides were made in building Pakistan’s IT human capital and industry capacity.

A total of 6,400 professionals were trained in advanced technologies, with certification ongoing for 3,400 more.

Over 2,700 interns were placed in IT firms, achieving a 70pc retention rate, while soft skills and technical boot-camps trained thousands more.

Industry-academia collaboration led to the training of more than 1,600 graduates and the skill assessment of 9,300 students.

It has been highlighted that the Pakistan Software Export Board oversees over 50 Software Tech­nology Parks (STPs) and e-Rozgar centres, established under projects including establishment of 25 Software Technology Parks.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2025