RIYADH: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together in the information technology (IT) sector.
The MoU was inked by Pakistan caretaker Federal Minister of IT and Telecom Umar Saif and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah A Al-Sawahah in Riyadh.
Umar Saif said in a statement on X that Pakistan has inked an MoU with the Ministry of Communication and IT in Saudi Arabia. This will facilitate Pakistani companies to work in Saudi Arabia, provide trained IT manpower to Saudi companies, promote joint ventures with the Kingdom’s companies, and establish a startup exchange program with the top tech incubators of Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Communication & IT in Saudia. This will facilitate Pakistani companies to work in KSA, provide trained IT manpower to Saudi companies, promote joint ventures with Saudi companies and establish a startup exchange program with the top… pic.twitter.com/LrWzNbSH6A
— Umar Saif (@umarsaif) October 1, 2023
The minister further said that strategically both countries would work on establishing close cooperation to set up a chip manufacturing industry in Pakistan and work on lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, agriculture, and mining technologies. Umar Said, along with a delegation, left for Saudi Arabia on 30 September.
Before his departure, he expressed hope that the trip would result in investments in Pakistan and big business for Pakistani IT companies in Saudi Arabia.
DCO to Help Pakistani Companies
Meanwhile, the minister also met with Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Secretary General Deemah AlYahya. He said that the DCO was uniquely positioned to help Pakistani companies expand their operations in several countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
He said that Pakistan will be working with DCO for a digital passport’ for its companies which will enable them to quickly start a business in DCO member nations, starting with Saudi Arabia.
The minister also expressed his intention with the DCO to host the Digital Direct Foreign Investment (DDFI) summit in Pakistan every year for all member countries.
In response, AlYahya said it was an absolute privilege for her to welcome the Pakistani delegation.
It was an absolute privilege to welcome you YE @umarsaif along with your distinguished delegation to @dcorg Headquarters today your second home. Thank you, for the enriching discussion and your unwavering support for our pivotal initiatives. Pakistan's role as a revered founding… https://t.co/vapCGM3Fzn
— Deemah AlYahya (@Dalyahya) October 1, 2023
She said that Pakistan’s role as a revered founding member country of the council fills her with immense pride. Pakistan was championing Digital FDI, with DCO serving as a catalyst, attracting investments that transcend borders within the digital economy.
