Urumqi: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, during his official visit to China for the SCO Digital Economy Forum 2026, addressed the Ministerial-Level Closed-Door Meeting on SCO Digital Economy Cooperation in Urumqi, Xinjiang. Iqbal emphasized that the digital economy is a significant catalyst for productivity, trade, governance, and human development, presenting the SCO region with substantial opportunities for growth, quality employment, and bridging development disparities.

According to Press Information Department, Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to digital transformation, placing it at the core of its national development agenda with initiatives such as E-Pakistan. He mentioned the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, the Pakistan Digital Authority, and the National AI Policy as pivotal measures towards enhancing digital public services, data-driven decision-making, and responsible artificial intelligence.

Iqbal underscored the value of Pakistan’s collaboration with China in digital technologies, especially through the CPEC Joint Working Group on Information Technology and Industry and the China-SCO Pakistan Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Centre. These platforms are seen as vital for advancing cooperation in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, research, and skills development.

The Minister proposed the establishment of an SCO Digital Connectivity and Compute Corridor, which would integrate cross-border fibre links, robust networks, data centres, satellite connectivity, and interoperable cloud and computing resources. He noted that digital infrastructure should be accessible to governments, universities, startups, SMEs, women, youth, and remote communities.

Emphasizing the need for trust in digital cooperation, Iqbal highlighted the importance of privacy, cybersecurity, accountability, transparent data access, and respect for national sovereignty. He advocated for an SCO Sovereign AI Infrastructure and Governance Framework to enhance national capabilities and encourage responsible AI usage.

As Pakistan prepares to assume the Presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State, Iqbal expressed support for institutionalizing SCO digital economy cooperation through regular ministerial dialogues, technical coordination, and projects with concrete outcomes. He concluded that the success of SCO cooperation should be assessed by tangible results, such as accelerated trade, stronger industries, improved public services, skilled populations, and expanded digital opportunities. Pakistan remains committed to collaborating with SCO member states to achieve shared digital prosperity.