ICMAP calls for turning Google’s entry into a digital growth opportunity

KARACHI: The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA), in its latest Economic Signal, “Can Pakistan Turn Google’s Entry into a Digital Growth Opportunity?”, has identified Google’s expanding presence in Pakistan as an opportunity to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen human capital, and build a stronger digital export ecosystem.

The report notes that Pakistan’s ICT export earnings rose from USD1.44 billion in FY2020 to USD4.18 billion in FY2026, while ICT export remittances reached US$417 million in July FY2027, up 18% year-on-year. With 46.3 million young people aged 15–24, ICMA highlights the potential to convert Pakistan’s demographic strength into a globally competitive digital workforce.

ICMA further highlights the potential of Artificial Intelligence, estimated to add PKR 4.4 trillion to GVA and create an estimated USD11.55 billion export opportunity.

The report cautions that multinational technology presence alone will not guarantee broad-based economic gains. ICMA calls for stronger industry–academia linkages, demand-driven digital skills, predictable tax and regulatory incentives, and greater focus on startups, research, intellectual property and technology exports.

ICMA emphasizes that the strategic objective should be to move Pakistan from a technology-consuming market towards a digital production, innovation, and export hub.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026