Pakistan showcased its rapidly expanding IT sector at the world’s largest IT exhibition GITEX Global 2023 under the ‘Tech Destination Pakistan’ banner, with 27 prominent companies and more than 45 innovative startups participating in the event.
During the inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion at GITEX Global 2023, Dr. Umar Saif, the caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications, expressed his pride in Pakistan’s presence at the exhibition.
“Pakistan boasts one of the most extensive exhibit lounges at GITEX, the globe’s premier IT exhibition. We are thrilled to have 27 companies and over 45 startups showcasing their capabilities here. Tech Destination Pakistan has emerged as one of the standout brands at GITEX Global 2023,” he stated.
Pakistan’s IT Sector
Pakistan’s IT sector has experienced substantial growth in recent years, driven by government policies conducive to innovation. Currently, Pakistan’s annual IT exports stand at an impressive US$2.6 billion, with the potential to surge to US$10 billion within the next 2-3 years.
To foster further growth, Pakistan is establishing dedicated technology zones, with 5-7 such zones in preparation and two already operational. These zones will serve as hubs for technology firms, outsourcing companies, startups, financial institutions, and real estate developers, contributing to the expansion of technology infrastructure.
“In addition, we are creating co-working spaces equipped to accommodate 500,000 online freelancers, making Pakistan home to the second-largest online freelancing workforce in the IT industry,” Dr. Saif added.
Highlighting the burgeoning startup ecosystem in Pakistan, Dr. Saif revealed that a significant investment of US$800 billion has already been poured into local startups, underscoring the tremendous potential in Pakistan’s IT and startup sectors.
Dr. Saif praised the GITEX event for providing an ideal platform for Pakistani exhibitors to engage with industry leaders, explore lucrative business opportunities, and stay abreast of global developments in the tech sector.
Who’s attending?
The event brought together key stakeholders, shining a much-needed spotlight on Pakistan’s burgeoning talent ecosystem and its boundless potential.
Some of the Pakistani companies and startups attending the event include National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies, Systems Limited, Ejad Labs, Ignite National Technology Fund Pakistan, Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA).
Arzish Azam, the CEO of Ejad Labs, who was part of the panel about the remarkable achievements of Future Fest, spoke about Pakistan’s entrepreneurship and investment ecosystem. At this globally acclaimed event, Azam highlighted the pivotal role of Future Fest as a gateway to Pakistan for the world, showcasing the nation’s technological and innovative prowess.
GITEX 2023
GITEX GLOBAL, in its 43rd edition, running from October 16 to 20, remains the world’s most renowned tech exhibition, facilitating collaboration among tech creators, investors, and enthusiasts for over four decades.
It features tech giants and innovative startups in AI, Cybersecurity, Mobility, Sustainable Tech, and more. This year, the platform expands across two massive venues, the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Harbour, boasting 41 exhibition halls.
The GITEX Global ecosystem includes ten co-located shows, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and discovery. This year’s theme, “Imagine AI in Everything,” reflects AI’s profound impact on modern life, showcasing real-world applications and cutting-edge innovations for improved business efficiency.
The event featured an impressive lineup of 6,000 exhibitors, including 50 from Pakistan, with 180,000 tech executives from 180 countries in attendance. There were around 2,000 visitors from Pakistan.
Pakistan and UAE discuss AI, digital economy collaboration
During his visit to UAE, Pakistan’s interim IT minister, Umar Saif, also held a meeting with the UAE’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy, Omar bin Sultan Al-Olama, he told on Monday.
The discussions revolved around potential bilateral cooperation in the fields of AI, digital economy, and venture capital investments. Minister Saif described the encounter with his UAE counterpart as “wonderful.”
“He expressed keen interest in collaborating on AI, digital economy and venture capital investments in Pakistan and proposed to sign a formal MoU (memorandum of understanding),” the Pakistani IT minister said on X.
