Pakistan seeks OIC’s cooperation in emerging technologies

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday sought the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) assistance in the area of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Block Chain, IoT and Big Data, Cloud services, and Robotics.

A delegation of the OIC led by Ambassador Assistant Secretary-General for Science and Technology Askar Mussinove called on Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Syed Aminul Haque, here on Monday.

Matters of mutual interest and cooperation between Pakistan and the OIC in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sphere were discussed during the meeting.

Additional Secretary (Incharge) MoITT Mohsin Mushtaq Chandna was also present in the meeting.

While talking to the OIC delegation, the IT minister said it is highly commendable that the OIC is facilitating joint efforts to develop digital economy and accelerate digital transformation in OIC member states.

Pakistan reaffirms its full commitment to OIC’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agenda 2026 and other initiatives such as COMCEC high-level Digital Initiative/Programme, he said.

He said the Government of Pakistan is investing heavily for the development of a knowledge-based economy and digitally-empowered society through the use and adoption of inclusive, affordable, and sustainable technology.

The importance of ICT in the development and economic growth of Pakistan is vital and the government is working closely with the ICT sector and implementing the policies and measures that will effectively energise both technology exports and domestic technology adoption, he said.

Federal Minister Haque said Pakistan’s ICT exports have doubled in the last three years.

He noted Pakistan is ranked as the 2nd most financially attractive location in the world for offshore outsourcing services, according to 2021 Kearney’s Global Services Location Index. He said steps are being taken to ensure connectivity across the country.

He said Pakistan would like to further strengthen its strategic partnership with OIC and seek OIC’s cooperation in emerging technologies such as AI, Block Chain, IoT and Big data, Cloud services, Robotics etc.

The OIC delegation said that Pakistan government’s steps for the development of the IT and Telecom sector are laudable. Senior officers of the IT ministry were also present in the meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022