Excitement filled Lahore’s Expo Center as the 24th edition of the Information Technology Commerce Network (ITCN) kicked off. Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, graced the occasion as the chief guest, emphasizing the government’s dedication to advancing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
Minister Shaza Fatima stressed the government’s active facilitation of flagship projects like Special Technology Zones (STZs) and the implementation of a national fiberization plan to ensure broad access to high-speed broadband internet. She underscored the importance of fostering an environment conducive to both local and foreign IT companies and investors, with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) playing a central role in bolstering confidence and facilitating business in the IT sector.
Encouraging IT companies to bolster their global cooperation, Minister Shaza Fatima highlighted government initiatives aimed at positioning Pakistan as a prominent tech hub regionally and globally. She also emphasized Pakistan’s significant role in the IT ecosystem through its membership in the Digital Cooperation Organization.
Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, lauded Pakistan’s proactive approach to digital transformation, foreseeing a substantial economic boost by 2030 through these initiatives.
The event featured insightful addresses from notable figures including Chairman Pasha Mohammad Zohaib, Microsoft’s Country Education Lead Gibran Jamshed, CEO of Ignite Adeel Aizaz Sheikh, Netsol’s Chairman Saleem Ghori, Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture Yusuf Hasan Khalvi, and Mohammad Umair Nizam, Vice President of E-Commerce Gateway.
