FinMin Aurangzeb says Google eyes Pakistan as next export hub

KARACHI: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday welcomed the inauguration of Google's Chromebook assembly line in Pakistan, saying that the tech giant aims to turn the country into an export hub.

Addressing the Future Summit in Karachi, Aurangzeb stressed the importance of equipping the youth with digital and technical expertise to help them seize high-value opportunities in fields such as coding, blockchain, and artificial intelligence.

Pakistan's first Google Chromebook assembly line was launched on Tuesday in a ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Khan, who termed it “a defining moment” in the country's digital transformation.

“Google's plan to establish Pakistan as an export hub aligns with our vision for AI-driven growth. There are vast opportunities to expand the blue economy,” Aurangzeb said.

“The private sector plays a vital role in economic progress. Our focus will remain on the IT and maritime sectors to transform Pakistan into an export-oriented economy,” he stated.

Aurangzeb said that international rating agencies have acknowledged Pakistan's economic improvement, while global institutions have also recognised the country's macroeconomic stability. “Corporate profits have increased by 9%,” he added.

The minister said the government has expanded the tax net to enhance national revenue, resulting in an additional 900,000 tax filers. “Digitisation will bring transparency to the economy. Egypt has also requested to learn from our FBR reforms,” he remarked.

He stressed that structural reforms are essential for long-term economic stability and said the government will continue to provide an ecosystem that leverages recent diplomatic successes.

The finance minister said that the government has decided to privatise 24 state-owned enterprises, adding that the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will be completed before the end of this year.