Google office in Pakistan to help turn country into IT export hub: Iftikhar Ali Malik

LAHORE, Aug 19: Former President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik has welcomed the opening of Google’s office in Pakistan, saying the development would significantly contribute to the country’s ambition of becoming a major IT export hub.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Iftikhar Ali Malik described the establishment of Google’s office as a major milestone for the global technology company’s presence in Pakistan and said it could help the country move towards its ambitious target of $30 billion in IT exports.

He said Google had entered Pakistan at an appropriate time when the country was undergoing major digital transformation, particularly in the field of governance.

He said the presence of a global technology leader would create new opportunities for Pakistani IT professionals, software developers, entrepreneurs and technology-based startups by providing greater access to modern digital tools, global expertise and international markets.

Iftikhar Ali Malik said Pakistan had a large pool of talented and young IT professionals whose capabilities could be transformed into a major source of foreign exchange earnings through appropriate policies, skills development and stronger linkages with international technology companies.

He stressed the need for greater investment in digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other emerging technologies to fully utilise Pakistan’s vast IT potential.

He also called for a business-friendly environment, simplified regulatory procedures and incentives for technology companies to encourage greater foreign investment in Pakistan’s digital economy.

Iftikhar Ali Malik expressed hope that Google’s presence would strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global technology ecosystem and help accelerate the growth of the country’s digital economy and IT exports.