ISLAMABAD: Global tech giant Google launched an initiative to produce 500,000 Chromebooks in Pakistan, with the first device being presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The presentation occurred at an Islamabad ceremony where Google Asia Pacific (APAC) President Scott Beaumont handed over the locally manufactured Chromebook to PM Shehbaz.
In his address, the prime minister commended Google’s contributions globally and in Pakistan. He expressed confidence in the younger generation’s potential, emphasizing their capability in information technology and their critical role in driving the country’s economic growth.
PM Shehbaz urged the federal and provincial governments to fully invest in the education and empowerment of the youth. He also announced a government goal of achieving $25 billion in IT exports within the next five years, stating that this target is “very achievable.” He encouraged IT experts and entrepreneurs to propose strategies to help the government meet this objective, while also promoting small and medium enterprises and freelancers.
Additionally, the prime minister reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Pakistan’s governance system into a fully digital and paperless operation, aimed at reducing corruption for the public good. He also mentioned the recent transparent appointment of a new IT secretary.
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, praised Google’s significant role in advancing Pakistan’s digitization efforts under the leadership of PM Shehbaz.
Google’s Regional Director for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, Farhan S. Qureshi, emphasized that leveraging technology could boost economic activity and noted the vast opportunities available for freelancers in Pakistan.
Other notable attendees included Information Minister Tarar and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
