According to Google, narrowing the digital skills gap and enhancing the adoption of education technologies can add Rs2.8 trillion to Pakistan’s GDP by 2030.
AgayBarho: A Google for Pakistan Event
Google recently hosted AgayBarho: A Google for Pakistan Event in Islamabad, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to expanding Pakistan’s digital economy. During the event, new research was unveiled, highlighting the immense potential that digital skills training and digital exports can offer in future-proofing Pakistan’s economy.
The event featured the launch of a report by Access Partnership titled “AgayBarho: Empowering Pakistan’s Digital Economy,” which noted that despite facing significant economic challenges, Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) sector is emerging as a key driver of recovery and growth.
Pakistan’s Growing IT Export Sector
According to the report, Pakistan’s IT services exports have expanded by 2.7x since 2014, now accounting for 35% of the country’s total service-sector exports in 2023.
Growth in Pakistan’s IT Services Exports (2014-2023)
| Year | Growth in IT Exports | Share of Service-Sector Exports |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1x | 13% |
| 2023 | 2.7x | 35% |
Potential for Digital Exports by 2030
The report estimates that digital technologies will play a key role in boosting Pakistan’s digital exports, which could contribute an additional $6.6 billion (Rs1.8 trillion) annually by 2030. These exports will largely come from sectors such as mobile apps, online video services, cross-border digital advertising, and e-commerce.
Projected Contribution of Digital Exports by 2030
| Digital Service | Projected Annual Value (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Mobile Apps | 1.8 trillion |
| Online Video Services | 1.8 trillion |
| Cross-Border E-commerce | 1.8 trillion |
| Total Contribution to Exports | Rs1.8 trillion annually |
These gains will be driven by companies leveraging digital technologies to develop exportable solutions, access international markets more efficiently, and reduce costs.
Role of AI in Export Growth
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is highlighted in the report as a transformative technology, enabling the creation of new export opportunities and facilitating access to international markets. Pakistan’s ability to harness AI could significantly enhance its digital exports.
Government and Private Sector Collaboration
At the event, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, praised Google for its contribution to the country’s digital growth. She emphasized the immense potential for digital exports to revolutionize Pakistan’s economy. “The potential of digital exports to transform our economy is immense,” Khawaja said, “and collaboration between the public and private sectors is key to unlocking this potential.”
The minister also acknowledged that Google has provided over 960,000 jobs to Pakistani youth in 2023 alone, a testament to the success of Google’s initiatives in Pakistan.
Google’s Commitment to Digital Skills Training
Farhan S. Qureshi, Google Pakistan’s Country Director, highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s young and dynamic workforce. “As the Access Partnership report indicates, Pakistan’s youth is primed for growth, and we’re committed to investing in skills development,” he said. Google has launched various initiatives such as Google Career Certificates and Google Developer Programs, aimed at preparing individuals and businesses to fully exploit AI’s potential.
Investment in Digital Skills and Education
The report concludes that substantial investment in digital skills training and education is essential to capitalize on Pakistan’s digital export potential. By closing the digital skills gap and adopting more education technologies, Pakistan stands to add Rs2.8 trillion to its GDP by 2030.
Leave a Comment