The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and the Center for Executive Education at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi have joined forces through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bolster the growth and development of Pakistan’s technology sector.
This collaboration aims to leverage IBA’s expertise in high-level management education and training to catalyze the advancement of the nation’s technological landscape.
STZA and IBA signs MoU
Azfar Manzoor, Chairman of the STZA, Javaid Iqbal, Chief Commercial Officer and Member of STZA, and Aamer Saleemi, Executive Director and Member Zones Development of STZA welcomed this initiative and expressed their enthusiasm for IBA’s decision to work with tech authority.
During the signing ceremony, a delegation from IBA led by Dr. Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA Karachi, praised the vision and initiatives of STZA. Dr. Zaidi reiterated IBA’s support and commitment to collaborative efforts in establishing a globally competitive knowledge ecosystem in Pakistan.
“The IBA-CEE will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality training and education to entrepreneurs, business leaders, and technology organizations across Pakistan,” stated Azfar Manzoor, Chairman of STZA. He further added, “The center will assist these organizations in formulating intelligent business strategies to enhance their efficiency and competitiveness in the global market.”
The partnership aims to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and position Pakistan as a leading player in the global technology sector.
STZA CCO Javaid Iqbal welcomed the partnership, saying that it represents “a remarkable step forward in nurturing Pakistan’s technology sector. It demonstrates a shared vision to empower entrepreneurs, equip business leaders with necessary skills, and elevate the country’s technology organizations to new heights.”
Leaders of both organizations expressed hope that this strategic collaboration would contribute significantly to the nation’s progress by building a robust knowledge ecosystem that equips entrepreneurs, technology leaders, founders, and startup teams with industry-relevant executive education, training, and skills for all tiers of management.
@STZAOfficial and @CEEIBA have joined forces to empower #Pakistan's technology sector. This strategic collaboration aims to foster #growth and #development, leveraging IBA's renowned expertise in high-level management education and training.
— Special Technology Zones Authority – Pakistan (@STZAOfficial) May 19, 2023
The Special Technology Zones Authority, created under the STZA Act 2021, is a federal organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating the technology sector in Pakistan by creating an enabling environment for technology-driven businesses, fostering innovation, and attracting foreign investment. Its goal is to position Pakistan as a global technology hub by establishing state-of-the-art technology zones across the country.
IBA in Islamabad
The MoU signing was held soon after IBA launched its new office in Islamabad.
Expanding its reach across the country, IBA Karachi has recently established a new office in Islamabad, with its Center for Executive Education (IBA CEE) now operational at the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Islamabad in H-8 Islamabad. The IBA center in Islamabad “will open new avenues for our students and faculty to engage with industry professionals” and help bridge the gap between academia and industry and create a positive impact on education, fostering innovation in Pakistan, according to IBA officials.
Since its inception in 1955, IBA Karachi has been offering professional development programs to enterprises, public sector organizations, and businesses.
The collaboration between IBA and STZA marks a significant milestone in empowering Pakistan’s technology sector. It reflects a shared vision to equip entrepreneurs and business leaders with the necessary skills and drive the country’s technology organizations to new heights.