In a groundbreaking development at GITEX Global 2023, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have solidified a partnership in the realm of Information Technology (IT), with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Digital Economy. Dr. Umar Saif, Pakistan’s Caretaker IT Minister, met with UAE’s Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy, Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, during the event. They jointly committed to expanding their collaborative efforts in these critical sectors.
During GITEX Global, Dr. Umar Saif also officially inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion, where he addressed Pakistani tech companies and startups. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with the UAE on AI, digital economy initiatives, and venture capital investments, proposing the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Government Excellence Excellence Program (GEEP).
Dr. Umar Saif highlighted Pakistan’s significant potential in the IT sector. With a population of 241 million, 65% of whom are under 30 and highly skilled, Pakistan offers a valuable resource for the global IT industry. He emphasized the country’s potential for outsourcing projects and investment opportunities in areas like Digital Banking, Fintech, AgriTech, and Telecom infrastructure.
The event witnessed robust participation from Pakistan, with over 90 Pakistani companies taking part in GITEX Global, drawing more than 2,000 visitors. Multiple pavilions and workshops, including those focused on startups, fintech, and IT, contributed to the event’s success, underlining Pakistan’s growing influence and presence in the global tech landscape.