Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have joined hands to propel digital transformation and foster innovation. During the visit of a Pakistani delegation to the Kingdom, an agreement was inked between Pakistan’s IT Minister, Dr. Umar Saif, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, in Riyadh. This agreement paves the way for an enhanced collaboration in the realm of information technology and digital infrastructure development.
One of the pivotal aspects of this memorandum of understanding (MoU) is the establishment of a dedicated task force aimed at promoting digital corporations. This task force will be instrumental in accelerating the digitalization efforts and unleashing the potential of the tech sector in both nations.
Under the framework of this agreement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have committed to supporting each other in bolstering the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and start-up ecosystems. This support encompasses the formulation of policies, regulations, and legislation conducive to the growth of the digitalization sector. It represents a shared commitment to nurturing an environment where innovation, emerging technologies, research, and development can thrive.
Moreover, both countries have agreed to collaborate on training programs, the establishment of essential infrastructure, including data centers and centers of excellence, and the enhancement of digital corporations by improving connectivity. This holistic approach signifies a mutual endeavor to harness the potential of the digital landscape.
Furthermore, this partnership extends to the global stage, as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are set to encourage each other’s active participation in international events, thereby showcasing their collective prowess in the digital arena.
In a tweet, Dr. Umar Saif, the caretaker IT Minister of Pakistan, expressed his enthusiasm about the agreement, stating that it would facilitate various facets of cooperation. Pakistani companies will gain opportunities to operate in Saudi Arabia, offer trained IT professionals to Saudi companies, engage in joint ventures, and establish a startup exchange program with Saudi tech incubators. Moreover, both nations will explore opportunities for cooperation in critical areas such as chip manufacturing, electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, agriculture technology, and mining technologies.
As a strategic move, the establishment of a close cooperation mechanism is on the horizon, with the goal of setting up a dedicated desk to facilitate Pakistani IT firms seeking to register themselves in Saudi Arabia before commencing their business operations.
This collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal step toward advancing digitalization, fostering innovation, and bolstering the digital infrastructure. It underscores the commitment of both nations to harnessing the power of technology for mutual growth and prosperity, while also making a mark on the global stage.
