ISLAMABAD: A new joint working group for information technology will be established under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework, said Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar on Thursday.
"It has been agreed to start a new joint working group for information technology under the CPEC framework," the minister tweeted, adding that this would open exciting opportunities for Pakistani tech companies.
The minister said the scope of CPEC continued to expand with both countries fully committed to enhancing mutual economic ties. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT) had approached the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms to promote IT cooperation between China and Pakistan under the CPEC framework.
"IT is the 7th pillar of long-term CPEC framework and the MoIT had written a letter to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms for its formal activation," said a senior official of the IT Ministry.
The official further said the proposed ICT sector development under the CPEC framework comprises artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics, emerging technology, automation, e-governance, and manufacturing plants as well as technology parks.
Sources further said cooperation in this sector under the CPEC framework would help in attracting investment, creation of hundreds of jobs opportunities, automation as well as cost saving.
He said that the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms has been formally asked for arranging a meeting with Chinese counterparts to move forward on the 7th pillar of the long-term plan.
The move would help to reduce the country's import bill, create jobs and save huge foreign exchange reserves.
The ministry envisages exploring new business models for future projects and joint ventures in the country.
Further, Chinese government can contribute to the e-governance initiative as well in centralising data to improve efficiency and productivity.
The investment in the IT and telecom sector would increase manifold with the inclusion of this sector into the CPEC framework.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021
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