Pakistan to host first-ever Digital FDI Summit on April 29-30

Pakistan is set to make history by hosting its first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) event on April 29-30, announced Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Friday.

Speaking to ambassadors and Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) officials, she emphasised that the Digital FDI Initiative is designed to help nations craft investment-friendly policies for the digital economy, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.

The minister extended an open invitation to global investors, diplomats, and international stakeholders to participate in the event. “This is a chance for the world to see Pakistan as a rising destination for technology and innovation,” she stated.

She informed the dignitaries that the summit will feature high-level meetings with international investors, policy discussions on digital economy growth, and networking sessions to boost cross-border collaboration.

Minister Shaza Fatima highlighted that this event is a crucial step in positioning Pakistan as a regional tech hub. She said the forum, organised in collaboration with the Saudi Arabia-led DCO, aims to showcase Pakistan’s potential in IT, cybersecurity, fintech, and emerging technologies.

She also highlighted that Pakistan has over 150 million young professionals under the age of 35, making it an attractive market for tech investments. The government is backing innovation through National Incubation Centres and Special Technology Zones, offering 10-year tax exemptions and easy repatriation of profits. The Islamabad IT Park is near completion, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for global businesses.

Shaza Fatima pointed out the lack of international payment gateways as a hurdle for freelancers and startups. However, she called it a huge opportunity for foreign fintech firms to step in.

To strengthen Pakistan’s digital workforce, the government plans to train 3 million people in digital skills over the next three years with support from the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office.

With a booming IT sector, surging internet usage (+25%), and a strong cybersecurity presence, Pakistan is ready to attract global digital investment.

“Pakistan’s digital economy is taking off. Now is the time for investors to join this revolution,” the IT minister asserted.