Maryam discusses IT promotion with Saudi company

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met Secretary General of Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) Deemah AlYahya on Friday.

Deemah AlYahya congratulated Maryam on being elected as the first woman chief minister.

The CM lauded the cooperation of DCO for promotion of information technology in Pakistan. She said, “The progress of every country depends on acquiring the latest technology during present times. There is a great IT potential among the Pakistani youth and future of the youth can be brightened with provision of better training and technology.

The CM said, “We are keen to provide trained IT manpower to the Saudi companies from Punjab. We are keen to establish a start exchange programme with the superior tech incubators of Saudi Arabia. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia can work jointly in the chip manufacturing industries, lithium ion batteries and in the manufacturing of electric vehicle sector.

“Abundant opportunities are available for people, companies and for the countries in the digital economy. We are going to establish the latest IT City in Lahore; IT & Tech District, Education City, Film City, Commercial and residential areas would be part of the city,” she added.

Deemah AlYahya congratulated CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif on hosting ITCN 24th Edition in Lahore. She said the IT industry in Pakistan would be promoted by hosting information technology commerce network. She said Saudi Arabia launched DCO to promote technological cooperation and expedite promotion of digital economy as well. The role of Pakistan holds an utmost importance as a founder member of the council.

Deemah AlYahya said digital participation of women was a fundamental part of the DCO mandate. The DCO secretary general said “we are providing assistance to the Pakistani companies to enhance their operations in the IT sector of GCC countries.”

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, CEO CBD Imran Amin and other officers were also present.

Meanwhile CM Maryam Nawaz ordered for complete Nawaz Sharif IT City project within stipulated time period.

While chairing a special meeting to review progress on the project, she directed the Central Business District (CBD) chief executive officer (CEO) to hire world’s best architectural companies for construction and design of the country’s first IT City.

Earlier, CBD CEO Imran Amin presented a report on roadshows in China. He said, “Sixteen Chinese companies expressed interest in Pakistan’s largest and first IT city, whereas eight Chinese companies are ready to work immediately in the project.”