Digital backwater

Pakistan’s digital exports currently stand at just $2.6 billion, accounting for less than one per cent of global digital exports. In stark contrast, Singapore – whose land area is smaller than the Islamabad Capital Territory and with a population – has recorded digital exports of $182 billion, over 70 times more than Pakistan’s. Pakistan has significant potential to increase its exports rapidly through digital services, given its large number of digital freelancers. Expanding digital exports would create more jobs for young people and play a critical role in boosting economic growth.

Syed Hussein El-Edroos

Islamabad