ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja held a high-level meeting with Mr. Ibrahim Neyaz, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s National Technology Development Program (NTDP), to deepen bilateral cooperation in technology, innovation, and startup ecosystems.
The meeting focused on advancing the joint Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Technology and Startup Exchange Programme, designed to create cross-border opportunities for entrepreneurs, facilitate technology transfer, and integrate Pakistani tech talent with Saudi Arabia’s expanding digital market.
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a strategic vision for digital transformation. Strengthening startup exchange programs and high-tech cooperation will open immense avenues for innovation, business expansion, and investment in both nations.”
— Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication
Focus on High-Impact Frontier Technologies
The discussions emphasized joint ventures and mutual ecosystem development across several key sectors:
- Artificial Intelligence & Deep Tech: Accelerating AI development, machine learning models, and compute infrastructure sharing.
- FinTech & Digital Payments: Enhancing cross-border digital payment systems and regulatory sandbox exchanges for financial innovations.
- AgriTech & Climate Tech: Harnessing smart agriculture, IoT, and precision farming technologies to address food security and sustainable development.
- EdTech & Human Capital: Expanding digital skills initiatives and virtual learning platforms to prepare youth for future workforce needs.
- SpaceTech & Biotech: Exploring early-stage collaboration in satellite communications, remote sensing applications, and biotechnology research.
Strengthening the Bilateral Digital Corridor
The dialogue aligns with Pakistan’s push to expand its tech footprint in Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf Region. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to supporting tech companies with regulatory navigation, market access, and venture capital networking.
By leveraging the NTDP’s mandate to build Saudi Arabia’s tech hub under Vision 2030 alongside Pakistan’s growing pool of tech talent and incubation networks, both countries aim to accelerate economic growth through tech-driven enterprise
