Pakistan’s largest IT and telecom event, ITCN Asia 2024, commenced on August 27 in Karachi, drawing participation from over 750 local and international companies, with the expectations to attract investments exceeding $500 million.
The event, organized by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd in collaboration with the IT Ministry, runs from August 27 to 29 with an aim to unite Pakistan’s tech and startup communities under one roof.
Key Facts
- ITCN Asia is Pakistan’s largest IT and telecom event
- The 2024 Karachi edition featured 300 speakers
- 70,000 industry participants
- 350 foreign delegates from 17 countries
Over 70,000 visit ITCN Asia 2024 on opening day
On its opening day, The 25th edition of ITCN Asia garnered significant attention, with an anticipated turnout of over 70,000 visitors and 350 foreign delegates from 17 countries, including Saudi Arabia, China, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iran, Egypt, and the UAE.
During the inaugural conference, key leaders from Pakistan’s IT and business sectors urged policymakers to consider the far-reaching impact of IT policies on the economy, businesses, and the country’s global reputation. Highlighting Pakistan’s potential to become a regional and international IT hub, experts called for policies that promote growth, especially in IT exports and freelancer payments.
#WATCH: Pakistan’s largest IT event, ITCN Asia 2024, kicks off in Karachi with organizers expecting a $500 million revenue impact this year. https://t.co/8QQIkqkrrw pic.twitter.com/D3RQgFtVHH
— Arab News Pakistan (@arabnewspk) August 28, 2024
Zohaib Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Software House Association (P@SHA), noted the consistent IT development over the past three terms and celebrated the growth in IT exports, which reached $3.2 billion in the 2023-24 financial year. Khan also mentioned the exploration of new export markets, which has strengthened Pakistan’s global brand and increased export earnings. He also praised the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for its efforts in boosting Pakistan’s economy and IT sector.
Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Yousef Hasan Khalawi, emphasized Pakistan’s potential to become a global IT hub, particularly in agriculture and technology. He pledged the chamber’s support in helping Pakistan achieve this goal, noting the transformative impact of technology on education, agriculture, health, and other vital sectors, especially in rural areas.
Other notable speakers included the Project Director of ITCN Asia, Muhammad Umair Nizam, past P@SHA President Jahan Ara, and CEO of the Pakistan Software Exchange Board, Syed Sohail Javaad.
Govt aims to accelerate digitization for socio-economic development
“We are dedicated to holistically advancing our IT ecosystem,” said Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication.
“From crafting relevant policies and legislation to fostering a culture of innovation, these efforts are yielding substantial results. Our IT industry is seeing consistent growth, evidenced by a 24% increase in IT exports, which reached $3.22 billion this year. This growth reflects confidence in the ability of our local companies to deliver IT solutions and services that meet international standards.”
Pakistan ranks among the top countries in the gig economy, and tapping into this potential is integral to achieving our goal of reaching $10 billion in the coming years, Shaza said. “Our Digital Pakistan Policy serves as a blueprint for digital transformation across both government and private sectors, ensuring that Pakistan remains at the forefront of technological advancement,” she added.
Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, who inaugurated the event, toured various stalls to review the IT products on display. He emphasized that ITCN Asia offers a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring the latest technology trends. “This event provides valuable insights into the future of technology,” he said.
Governor Tessori also reiterated his commitment to making the province a hub for information technology, noting that 50,000 young individuals are currently enrolled in advanced IT courses at Governor House. Plans are underway to extend these courses to Hyderabad and eventually across the entire province.
Pakistan seeks to increase IT exports
The event comes at a pivotal time as Pakistan seeks to bolster its exports, particularly in the IT sector, and attract foreign investment to reduce its reliance on external debt and stabilize its $350 billion economy.
Earlier this year, Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted the government’s ambitious goal of increasing IT exports to $25 billion, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts to create a digital future that is inclusive, sustainable, and secure.
In line with these goals, the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) recently announced the creation of four new special technology zones. These zones are expected to accommodate up to 50,000 professionals and have an annual export potential of $350 million.