Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima said that the current government is working to advance information and communications technology (ICT) in the nation because its development is essential to advancement.
She was speaking at the Swedish tech businesses at the Ministry of IT & Telecom’s Roundtable on IT and Digitalization on Thursday. Henrik Persson, the Swedish ambassador to Pakistan, was in attendance, as were representatives of several Swedish businesses, including Ericsson, Need Insights, LCC/Talkpool, Quixel, Saab, and Mahaana Wealth Ltd.
According to Shaza Fatima, the Ministry of IT & Telecom is trying to realize the vision of Digital Pakistan by implementing a number of cross-sectoral efforts, such as laws, policies, rules, and regulations, in order to facilitate the development of a truly digital landscape.
The Digital Pakistan Policy, according to the state minister for IT, is opening the door to furthering digital transformation. She declared that the administration is dedicated to offering the general public high-quality, reasonably priced ICT services. According to Shaza Fatima, Pakistan offers an environment that is favorable for investment. She urged Swedish tech businesses to engage in Pakistan’s IT and telecom sector, citing the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a facilitator of investment in the country.
Subsequently, in-depth discussions regarding digitalization, connectivity, IT & telecom infrastructure, IT exports, startups, e-governance, e-rozgar, gaming and animation, and skills development were held with the Swedish delegation.
The representatives of Swedish IT companies suggested that Pakistan should accelerate policy changes in the IT sector, just like Sweden did. They stated that Pakistan has to generate competent IT workers and that Swedish businesses are willing to train Pakistanis in this area.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Henrik Persson, the Swedish ambassador, stated that Sweden and Pakistan have positive relations and that Sweden is eager to expand its collaboration with Pakistan in the IT and telecommunications sectors.
DG IT Asfand Yar Khan, DG Telecom Faisal Ratyal, DG International Coordination Syed Jawwad Ali Sherazi, Additional Secretary, MoITT Aisha Humera Moriani, Member Telecom Muhammad Jahanzeb Rahim, and Ambassador-at-large for Investment Salman Ahmed were also in attendance.
Max Schaaf, PRO Fatima Nasim, Desk Officer, Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sweden, DG and Head of Global Department Dag Juhlin-Dannflet, and Stina Hinderson attend the roundtable from the Swedish Embassy.
