A Pakistani delegation, led by caretaker IT Minister Dr. Umar Saif, is making its inaugural appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week. The delegation, which includes Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) Zohaib Khan and representatives from the Special Investment Facilitation Center (SIFC), has taken a prominent role at the event.
Prime Minister Anwar Ul Haq Kakar is also part of the delegation, delivering a keynote address on “trade tech’s trillion-dollar promise.”
Dr. Umar Saif has engaged in diplomatic discussions with representatives from various nations, including the Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) and Ministers of IT from Qatar and Rwanda. These talks have centered around collaborative initiatives, such as a startup fund across DCO member countries and shared cloud services and infrastructure for AI.
A key event for the delegation is the Digital Pakistan Breakfast, where Chairman Zohaib Khan serves as the keynote speaker. Minister Umar Saif is expected to provide insights into federal government and SIFC initiatives supporting the growth of Pakistan’s IT sector.
Beyond formal proceedings, Swiss IT companies have organized a dinner in honor of Dr. Umar Saif, offering an informal setting for discussions on federal government and SIFC initiatives, fostering an enabling environment for Pakistan’s IT industry.
The delegation’s primary focus lies on bilateral meetings with representatives from various countries on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. The aim is to showcase SIFC’s progress, including the 50% dollar retention policy for IT companies, the activation of the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) through the appointment of its board of governors, and the introduction of Pakistan’s First Space Policy, opening new opportunities in the country’s space sector.
Chairman P@SHA, Zohaib Khan, expressed optimism, highlighting that this marks the first time a Pakistani IT companies delegation participates in the World Economic Forum. He emphasized P@SHA’s role in encouraging international investors and global players to explore collaboration opportunities with Pakistan. Khan believes the proactive steps taken by SIFC will pave the way for a consistent and progressive policy framework from the federal government for the IT sector.
