Islamabad: Pakistan and Russia have taken a significant step in advancing their technology cooperation, transitioning from dialogue to actionable partnerships. The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and the University of World Civilizations Moscow (UWCM) organized the Pakistan-Russia IT Collaboration Webinar, bringing together government officials, industry bodies, and technology companies from both nations. The event focused on exploring collaborations in six key areas, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital governance.
According to Press Information Department, the webinar, held at the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives in Islamabad, marks the third installment of the Pakistan-Russia Webinar Series. The discussions aimed to transform diplomatic rapport into business contracts, with the goal of developing joint solutions, pilot projects, and enhanced market access. Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, highlighted technology as a pivotal driver of Pakistan’s economic transformation and stressed the importance of moving towards technology-driven partnerships. He emphasized the potential for both countries to create globally competitive products and digital platforms through collaboration.
Ahsan Iqbal also noted Pakistan’s growing IT capabilities, including an annual output of over 75,000 IT graduates and plans to develop one million AI professionals by 2030. He underscored the role of Pakistan’s digital identity and payment systems in reflecting the country’s digital innovation and financial technology advancements. The Minister called for commercially viable partnerships and joint ventures with Russia, pointing to Pakistan’s record USD 4.6 billion in IT and telecom exports for FY2025-26 as evidence of the sector’s growth and readiness for new markets.
Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation, Ms. Bella Cherkesova, delivered a keynote address emphasizing policy, investment, and emerging technologies in the partnership. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, affirmed that technology and digital trade could become a new pillar of the economic partnership between the two nations.
PSEB CEO, Faisal Jeddy, outlined a structured approach to turning discussions into contracts, emphasizing the importance of follow-up to ensure successful partnerships. Industry leaders from both countries explored specific proposals for collaboration in sectors like cybersecurity, enterprise software, and FinTech, with plans for joint delivery in Pakistan, Russia, and other markets.
Zarrar Hasham Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication, concluded the event by emphasizing the concrete opportunities identified during the discussions and the Ministry’s role in facilitating these partnerships. He stressed the importance of maintaining momentum to ensure timely commencement of pilot projects and regular progress reviews with PSEB and other partners.