PCJCCI proposes national computing hubs to boost digital economy

LAHORE: The Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has called for transforming the country’s industrial economy into a digital economy, following the Chinese model, which has proven to be highly effective in fostering economic growth.

During a discussion on the digitalisation of the national economy at the PCJCCI meeting on Friday, PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain stressed the need to establish integrated computing network hubs across Pakistan to stimulate the digital economy and provide momentum for its development.

“Data centre computing equipment will serve as key accelerators for the development of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain, driving digital transformation and fostering high-quality growth,” Hussain said.

Highlighting China’s approach, he explained that national computing hubs are being developed in strategic regions such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and other key clusters. He suggested replicating this model in Pakistan’s major business cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Hyderabad and Gilgit-Baltistan, to revolutionise the country’s digital landscape.

Hussain noted that the big data industry would be instrumental in the transition from an industrial economy to a digital economy. “Accelerating the development of 5G networks and 1,000M fibre optic networks will be vital for creating a new intelligent ecosystem,” he added.

Senior Vice President PCJCCI Mansoor Saeed elaborated on the benefits of a national computing network, stating that it would enhance the free flow of data and streamline economic processes.

“These hubs will become key drivers of economic growth while supporting the national big data strategy,” he said. Saeed also highlighted China’s initiatives in building national integrated computing networks as part of its efforts to promote “new infrastructure” construction and environmentally sustainable, high-quality digital development.

He suggested that Pakistan could adopt similar techniques to develop super-large and large-scale data centres, creating data clusters in key regions. These clusters could support industries such as industrial internet, financial services, disaster management, telemedicine, and video communications.

Vice President PCJCCI Zafar Iqbal underscored the potential impact of such a move, stating, “Establishing a structural balance between data centres in different regions will boost innovation in big data applications, improve computing resource efficiency, and promote green, high-quality development.”

The PCJCCI leaders added that the digital transformation of Pakistan’s economy is critical to meeting global economic challenges, fostering innovation and ensuring sustainable development.