ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed Google’s decision to establish offices and invest in Pakistan, marking a significant development in the country’s information technology sector.

In a statement, the Prime Minister highlighted Google’s plans to set up an assembly line for its products in Haripur, which he described as a positive step. He noted that such moves by international IT companies reflect confidence in the government’s business-friendly policies.

The Prime Minister emphasized the dual benefits of local manufacturing of IT products: reducing costs for Pakistani consumers and enhancing the country’s export industry, which could bolster foreign exchange reserves.

Sharif reiterated that transforming Pakistan into a digital nation remains a key priority for his administration. He highlighted the government’s initiatives to empower the youth in the IT sector, including a memorandum of understanding with Google for IT training programs.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the distribution of laptops to 100,000 talented young individuals as part of efforts to equip them with necessary resources for success in the IT field. He noted ongoing IT training programs for youth and women aimed at increasing their competitiveness in the global service industry and fostering financial independence.

Efforts are in progress, he stated, to position Pakistan as a regional hub for information technology. He praised the Federal Minister for Information Technology and her team for their contributions to the sector’s growth.