ISLAMABAD:

The US mission in Pakistan is committed to fostering strong economic ties and by working together, the two countries can unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s information technology sector, create new opportunities for American businesses and contribute to economic development, said US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker.

She hosted a webinar, connecting 25 representatives from American information and communication technology (ICT) companies with senior Pakistani government officials to explore commercial opportunities in Pakistan’s growing IT sector.

Federal Ministry of IT and Telecom Secretary Zarar Hasham Khan, Special Technology Zones Authority Chairman Azfar Manzoor and Special Investment Facilitation Council Project Director Syed Hadi joined the envoy to discuss investment opportunities, regulatory frameworks and partnership potential in Pakistan’s ICT sector.

She reaffirmed that the US embassy and consulates would support American companies as they navigated the Pakistani market by connecting them with local partners and ensuring they had the resources and information needed to succeed. “We are committed to facilitating investment, promoting trade and advocating policies to improve business environment,” she said.

Baker emphasised the timeliness of strengthening US-Pakistan technology cooperation, saying, “This year in the United States, we are celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, which presents us with an opportunity to celebrate American innovation and leadership in the technology sector.” The technology sector exemplifies US ingenuity and leadership, which the Freedom 250 celebration honours.

The webinar highlighted growth opportunities in cloud computing, data centres, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence – the important areas where US companies offer proven expertise and innovation.