Government needs to promote soft image of the country, as foreigners are still reluctant to visit Pakistan. Ashraf Kapadia, President, Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) said at the closing ceremony of 'Pakistan Developers Conference' organised by Microsoft Pakistan, here on Wednesday.
He said several foreigners engaged in the IT industry were reluctant to establish contacts with Pakistani entrepreneurs because of past experiences.
Kapadia said government should issue travel advisory to attract people from across the world.
The IT industry has mainstreamed in industrial and economic activities in the country with the growth of 50 percent annually, he said. Kapadia said the IT market had grown to 2 billion dollar and about 1 billion dollar exports made during last year.
Several companies have trusted the local IT houses and invested 200 million dollar, Kapadia said. The market has 1,000 companies and 320 companies were registered with P@SHA, he said and added that among those companies 100 were ISO-9000 certified.
Pakistan companies have recognised world-wide in the field of stock market to film making. Locally made programmes were used in American stock exchange and animated work made part of Hollywood movie, he said.
On the occasion Kamal Ahmed, Country Manager, Microsoft Pakistan said his company was committed to embark upon technology events, conferences and initiatives to enable individuals and government reach their social and economic goals and participate in the opportunities and benefits of the knowledge of economy. Ruari Plint, Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Programme Manager presented a brief background about community developers.