The recent participation of Pakistan at LEAP 2024 in Riyadh signifies a burgeoning collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in the realm of IT and telecom. LEAP, a premier tech event, brought together global tech innovators, industry leaders, and experts, fostering a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation exploration, and partnership establishment.
Pakistan’s substantial presence at LEAP 2024, with a 162sqm pavilion hosting 74 companies and over 800 delegates, underscores the nation’s robust business presence and promising prospects in the KSA market. These companies showcased a diverse range of solutions in AI, IoT, blockchain, cybersecurity, and more, highlighting Pakistan’s technological prowess.
In a bid to set the tone for LEAP, PSEB and P@SHA, in collaboration with the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh, organized the “Saudi-Pak Tech Forum” on March 3, 2024. This forum provided a remarkable platform for Pakistani companies to network with Saudi counterparts and government institutions, paving the way for valuable business leads.
Speaking at the event, CEO of PSEB, Ms. Aisha Moriani, emphasized the need for collaboration between the two nations, building upon the success of Pakistani companies at LEAP 2023. Pakistan views the increase in IT exports to KSA as a timely opportunity to expand its business in the Middle East market, particularly with Saudi Arabia undergoing transformation with its Vision 2030.
Pakistan’s IT industry has experienced remarkable growth, ranking among the country’s top five export sectors. The government, through PSEB, actively supports the IT industry, offering incentives such as 100% equity ownership and income tax credits for IT exports to foreign investors.
With its strategic location and robust connectivity, Pakistan emerges as an ideal destination for various IT products and services. The government’s efforts to brand Pakistan as a lucrative TechdestiNation have significantly broadened horizons for Pakistani IT companies to expand globally.
The collaboration between KSA and Pakistan at LEAP 2024 not only strengthens bilateral ties but also propels both nations into a future characterized by technological advancements and mutual prosperity.