ISLAMABAD, September 5, 2024 – Google has announced its decision to further expand its investment footprint in Pakistan, with a focus on supporting the government’s initiatives aimed at youth skills development and digital transformation.
This was revealed during a meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and a four-member Google delegation, led by Scott Beaumont, President of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, on Thursday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the delegation and emphasized the pivotal role that Google can play in helping Pakistan achieve its digital transformation goals. He noted that the country is on the verge of a significant leap in its digital economy and shared the government’s plans to achieve $25 billion in exports over the next five years. These efforts include allocating funds for youth training, IT infrastructure improvement, and refining the regulatory environment to foster digital growth.
“Pakistan is committed to completely digitizing its economy, and collaboration with global technology leaders like Google will play a crucial role in achieving this vision,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also praised Google for its continuous efforts to uplift the country’s digital economy. He noted that Google’s initiatives over the past few years have significantly improved the lives of thousands of Pakistanis, particularly the youth. In 2023 alone, Google-enabled digital initiatives helped nearly one million Pakistani youths secure jobs, underscoring the company’s commitment to upskilling Pakistan’s young workforce.
Shehbaz Sharif further highlighted that Pakistan’s large youth population and rapidly expanding economy present a tremendous opportunity for technology-driven growth. He reiterated the importance of technology in unlocking the country’s economic potential and acknowledged Google’s role in this journey.
During the meeting, it was also revealed that by 2026, Pakistan would begin manufacturing 500,000 Chromebooks annually, which is expected to revolutionize the country’s IT industry. The production of these devices will not only support Pakistan’s digital infrastructure but also create additional job opportunities and promote the country as a regional tech hub.
As Google expands its footprint in Pakistan, the company’s focus on youth training and IT infrastructure is expected to drive further economic development and position Pakistan as a key player in the global digital economy.
