The Pak-U.S. Tech Investment Conference 2024, held at Stanford University, brought together a diverse group of innovators, investors, and tech industry leaders from Pakistan and the United States to spotlight Pakistan’s dynamic tech sector and foster investment opportunities. Organized by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) in partnership with TDAP, PASHA, the Embassy of Pakistan in the U.S., and OPEN Silicon Valley, this landmark event demonstrated Pakistan’s commitment to expanding its digital ecosystem and further strengthening its IT industry.
Ambassador of Pakistan to the U.S., H.E. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, emphasized the significance of the Pak-U.S. Tech Investment Conference in strengthening tech ties between the two countries and enhancing exports of Pakistan’s IT sector. He remarked:
“This conference is a pioneering act in Silicon Valley for Pakistan’s IT sector. It’s a movement and a campaign to capitalize on the enormity of potential that Pakistan carries.”
The Minister of IT & Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, joined the conference virtually and highlighted Pakistan’s immense potential and the government’s commitment to advancing the IT industry.
“Pakistan is on a path to economic stability with immense untapped potential. There is a lot that can be explored here and gatherings like this play a crucial role in realizing this potential.”
CEO of Pakistan Software Export Board, Mr. Abu Bakar, also addressed the audience, expressing his confidence in Pakistan’s tech talent.
“I truly believe in the opportunity of Pakistan and that the talent of Pakistan is as good as anywhere else in the world, if not better.”
The conference included panel discussions, project investment sessions, and pitch presentations that highlighted Pakistan’s progress and tech capabilities. The project investment sessions focused on key sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, healthtech, and generative technologies, offering investors a glimpse into Pakistan’s innovative solutions. The sessions provided an opportunity for investors to explore high-impact ventures with significant potential for growth and collaboration.
Pakistani delegates, represented by CEO Pakistan Software Export Board, presented their pitches to potential investors, showcasing a range of innovative projects aimed at propelling Pakistan’s tech industry. The conference also had an interactive networking session, offering delegates and attendees the opportunity to build valuable connections, explore partnerships, and discuss future collaborations.
The conference concluded with remarks from Dr. Naveed Sherwani, who emphasized the importance of collective efforts in driving the growth of Pakistan’s tech industry. The event successfully spotlighted the immense potential within Pakistan’s tech sector and reinforced the commitment of both the U.S. and Pakistan to continue fostering strong ties through innovation and technology.
With the U.S. being Pakistan’s leading destination for IT/ITeS exports, the Pak-U.S. Tech Investment Conference 2024 was a significant step towards building sustainable partnerships and further enhancing the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s tech industry.
