FinMin Highlights Tech Sector and Digital Skill Imperative
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced on Wednesday that the technology giant Google intends to establish Pakistan as an export hub, citing the country’s increasing potential in the tech and maritime sectors.
Speaking at the Future Summit in Karachi, Aurangzeb welcomed the recent launch of Pakistan’s first Google Chromebook assembly line, which he called a “defining moment” for the country’s digital transformation. The assembly line was inaugurated on Tuesday and was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Khan.
The Finance Minister strongly emphasized the critical need to equip the youth with advanced digital and technical skills to seize higher-value opportunities. He specifically urged a focus on training in sectors driven by cutting-edge technologies like coding, blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“Google’s plan to establish Pakistan as an export hub aligns with our vision for AI-driven growth. There are vast opportunities to expand the blue economy,” Aurangzeb stated.
Economic Direction and Reform Agenda
Aurangzeb affirmed that Pakistan’s economy is headed in the right direction, stressing that lasting, sustainable growth must be rooted in production-driven development. He highlighted the IT and maritime sectors as key areas of focus to transition Pakistan into an export-oriented economy, with the private sector playing a vital role.
The Finance Minister noted that international rating agencies and global institutions have recognized Pakistan’s economic improvement and macroeconomic stability, citing a 9% increase in corporate profits.
On fiscal policy, Aurangzeb mentioned the government’s efforts to expand the tax net, resulting in an additional 900,000 tax filers, and stressed that digitization is essential for bringing transparency to the economy. He also noted that structural reforms are necessary for long-term stability and that the government will continue to foster an ecosystem that capitalizes on recent diplomatic successes.
A major component of the reform agenda is privatization. The Minister confirmed the decision to privatize 24 state-owned enterprises (SOEs), with the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) targeted for completion before the end of this year.
