California: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, inaugurated the Pakistan-U.S. Tech Investment Conference at Stanford University, highlighting an important development in Pakistan’s IT sector.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the conference was organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Los Angeles and saw American companies, led by Pakistani-American entrepreneurs, pledging over $20 million in initial investments. The event was supported by key Pakistani institutions like the Ministry of IT & Telecom, Ministry of Commerce, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with local partners including OPEN-SV and the Pakistan-American Tech Council (PTC). Participants included IT firms, venture capitalists, industry professionals, and prominent members of the Pakistani diaspora.
Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the government’s commitment to advancing Pakistan’s IT sector. She pointed out the country’s goal of achieving a $25 billion export target, with current IT exports already surpassing $3 billion. Minister Khawaja highlighted government initiatives aimed at fostering an investor-friendly environment and encouraged the Pakistani diaspora to leverage the growing opportunities in the sector.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh discussed Pakistan’s strategic position and its appeal as a tech investment destination. He noted the country’s competitive advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, a youthful and skilled workforce, and government efforts to harness its demographic dividend. He invited American businesses to explore Pakistan’s dynamic market potential and stressed the importance of diaspora support in accelerating growth and creating sustainable partnerships.
The conference showcased Pakistan’s tech ecosystem innovations, with a delegation from the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) presenting 11 promising startups in fields like Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, HealthTech, and software development. A U.S. State Department representative emphasized the significance of U.S.-Pakistan economic collaboration in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
A panel discussion with leaders such as the CEO of PSEB, the President of OPEN-GLOBAL, and experts from U.S. companies operating in Pakistan focused on the successful integration of Pakistan’s IT sector into the global market, discussing topics like semiconductor design, software development, and the potential for foreign investment in Pakistan’s tech industry.
The Central Business District (CBD) Punjab presented its advanced IT infrastructure, attracting U.S. investors, while a senior Google executive provided insights into the future of technology and the role of Pakistan’s IT sector in shaping it.
Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh concluded the event by introducing the “Digital Trinity” concept, proposing a partnership between U.S. technology, Saudi investment, and Pakistan’s skilled workforce to promote shared growth and technological progress across the region. The conference highlighted the enduring strength of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, with technology acting as a key driver for socio-economic development.