Pakistan, Azerbaijan explore digital partnerships
- Both countries agreed to promote a structured startup ecosystem exchange program
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Tuesday held an important meeting with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, where both sides advanced discussions on deep technology cooperation and future-focused digital partnerships.
Shaza Fatima and Minister Nabiyev praised the close and friendly relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening strategic collaboration in the IT, telecom and innovation sectors. Shaza lauded Azerbaijan’s ambitious “Azerbaijan 2030” Digital Hub Vision and highlighted Pakistan’s growing digital economy, supported by a strong IT talent pool and more than 200 million telecom users.
The minister discussed expanding GovTech cooperation and explored the possibility of introducing Azerbaijan’s celebrated ASAN Xidmet service-delivery model in Pakistan. She also highlighted opportunities in FinTech development, Smart City technologies, and talent-training programs in emerging digital fields. Both countries agreed to promote a structured startup ecosystem exchange program to create pathways for innovation, investment, and youth-driven entrepreneurship.
During her visit, Shaza Fatima also met with US FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty. The two sides noted that the United States remains Pakistan’s largest IT export partner and emphasized the need to develop this relationship further. Shaza acknowledged the FCC’s global regulatory influence and briefed the commissioner on Pakistan’s ongoing digital reforms and its potential to emerge as a regional digital hub.
The meeting included detailed discussions on countering cybersecurity threats and digital fraud, with both sides underscoring the importance of a coordinated framework. Shaza Fatima also called for enhanced collaboration with US academic institutions to support training in AI, cybersecurity, and data science, areas crucial for Pakistan’s next phase of digital growth.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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