Caretaker IT Minister Umar Saif is set to emplane an official visit to Saudi Arabia, aiming to discuss crucial aspects of collaboration between the two nations in the area of technology and innovation. The trip will focus on job opportunities for skilled Pakistani professionals in Saudi Arabia’s thriving IT sector and provide an update on the ambitious $100 million Saudi-Pakistan Tech House project, initially unveiled by Prince Fahad bin Mansour during Future Fest 2023 earlier this year.
IT Minister Vision for Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation
The Saudi-Pakistan Tech House project represents a strategic initiative aimed at building partnerships between IT companies and enterprises in both nations. This visionary endeavor aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on oil revenues, and transform into a global hub for investment with a robust digital infrastructure.
Minister Umar Saif’s visit to Saudi Arabia is fueled by the desire to witness Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation into a modern and technology-driven economy, thanks to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visionary leadership. With many global companies participating in this transformation, Saif believes Pakistan’s tech-savvy youth and IT firms also possess the potential to contribute to Vision 2030.
Pakistan’s Growing Tech Potential
Saif intends to promote Pakistan as a promising destination for technology investments; he plans to highlight the advantages of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), established to streamline bureaucratic procedures and attract foreign investments in Pakistan’s burgeoning technology sector.
Furthermore, discussions regarding Prince Fahad bin Mansour’s Tech House project will be a focal point of the visit, with Saif eager to get an update on its progress. He recognizes the immense potential for Pakistani IT firms in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market, where many are already involved in various projects.
Pakistan’s unbanked adult population, burgeoning fintech and edtech sectors, as well as the large user base of cellphones and broadband services, make it an attractive investment destination. Saif aims to present these opportunities to potential investors from GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, with the goal of bolstering Pakistan’s economy and creating mutually beneficial partnerships.
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