Karim Madad

The government has taken a number of measures to boost exports of information technology-enabled services by transforming Pakistan’s human capital into a high-end future workforce. Talking to WealthPK, Shahid Raza, Strategic Communication Officer at the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), said STZA had provided legislative and institutional support for the development of Pakistan’s technology sector through an ecosystem approach. He said the government offered world-class physical and digital infrastructure and regulatory framework that could help Pakistan catapult into a technology-driven future.

Highlighting the vision of STZA, he added that developing the national innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through setting up of world-class technology destinations called Special Technology Zones (STZs) across Pakistan was to transform the country’s human capital into a high-end future workforce. Shahid Raza further said that thanks to the pragmatic steps taken by the government, IT exports had shown an increase of up to 23% even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He added that exports of information technology-enabled services (ITeS), including computer and call centre services, had surged to $1.231 billion at a growth rate of 23.71% during the fiscal year 2019-20 as compared to $994.87 million during the fiscal year 2018-19.

He said IT & ITeS export remittances during FY19 increased by 19.3% compared to $833.87 million in FY18. Shahid Raza said zero income tax on IT & ITeS export income was given till June 2025 to help promote the IT sector in the country. Similarly, he said the government had allowed 100% repatriation of profits by foreign IT & ITeS companies.

Shahid Raza further said that the IT ministry and its organisations were actively participating in the international exhibitions to experience new vistas of learning and subscribe to modern innovative practices. He said a close liaison was established with Pakistani missions abroad to promote trade and attract investments in the information, communication and technology sector.

He also informed WealthPK that a China-Pakistan Science and Technology Cooperation Centre had been set up in China to facilitate the Chinese technology companies to conduct business in Pakistan, and act as a bridge between the youth of the two countries. He said Pakistan Ambassador to China Moinul Haque and President of Zhongguancun Belt and Road Industrial Promotion Association (ZBRA) Zhang Xiaodong had jointly inaugurated the centre, while STZA joined virtually from Pakistan.

The centre, a joint project by ZBRA and STZA, will facilitate the Chinese technology companies to invest in STZs in Pakistan, strengthen cooperation in science and technology, assist Chinese companies to become well-versed in the regulatory landscape of Pakistan, and act as a bridge between the youths of the two countries.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk