ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed confidence in Pakistan’s IT workforce, stating that it had the potential to compete globally as the government was providing the necessary facilities to help IT companies achieve their export target of $25 billion.
His remarks came during a meeting with a delegation led by Jerome Kapelus, CEO of the US multinational IT firm Afiniti, according to a statement issued by the PM’s Office.
Welcoming Afiniti’s interest in further investment, PM Shehbaz suggested that the company establish a world-class call centre in Pakistan to cater to national and international clients.
He emphasised that he was personally overseeing initiatives to equip the country’s youth with expertise in IT, AI, and other advanced technical skills. Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja and senior officials from relevant institutions attended the meeting.
The US delegation acknowledged the capabilities of Pakistani IT professionals and their commitment to advancing the sector.
Kapelus highlighted Pakistan’s suitability for IT investment and business, noting that over 1,000 highly skilled Pakistani professionals were already working at Afiniti Pakistan. He further emphasised the potential of Pakistani youth in driving IT sector growth, attributing Afiniti’s success in the region to the country’s professional and well-trained workforce.
‘Agriculture backbone of country’s economy’
Separately, the prime minister held a review meeting of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
Speaking during the meeting, he said agriculture was the backbone of the country’s economy.
The government would provide all facilities for the progress of the agriculture sector and for increasing agricultural production, he said adding that the services of young agriculture researchers from across the country would be hired for the progress of the agriculture sector.
He directed that strict action should be initiated as soon as possible against the companies involved in the business of substandard crop seeds.
He instructed that steps to increase edible oil production in Pakistan should be speeded up so that precious foreign exchange spent on edible oil import should be saved.
#eyes #billion #export #target
Leave a Reply