PSEB-led webinar brings technology companies from both countries together to pursue joint ventures, market access and commercial contracts as Pakistan’s IT exports reach a record $4.6 billion.
ISLAMABAD, November 5, 2026: Pakistan and Russia have agreed to explore technology partnerships, joint ventures and commercial opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital governance to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
The Pakistan–Russia IT Collaboration Webinar, the third event in the Pakistan–Russia Webinar Series, was organised on November 5 by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, in collaboration with the University of World Civilizations Moscow (UWCM).
Held in Islamabad with Russian participants joining from Moscow, the event brought together technology companies and industry associations from both countries to explore business opportunities and develop commercially viable partnerships.
Discussions covered six areas: AI and cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital governance, IT and IT-enabled services, digital skills and workforce exchange, and quantum computing.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said technology had become a major driver of Pakistan’s economic transformation and offered significant opportunities for cooperation with Russia.
He said E-Pakistan was one of the five strategic pillars of URAAN Pakistan, the country’s economic transformation plan, which aims to build a $1 trillion economy by 2035.
Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s annual production of more than 75,000 IT graduates, the target of developing one million AI professionals by 2030 and plans to establish seven new AI centres.
He also cited NADRA’s digital identity system and the Raast instant payment system, which processed 646 million transactions in a single quarter, as examples of Pakistan’s digital capabilities.
The minister said Russia’s scientific and engineering expertise, combined with Pakistan’s skilled workforce and IT services experience, could create opportunities in emerging technologies.
Pakistan’s IT and telecom exports reached a record $4.6 billion in FY2025-26, representing growth of around 20 per cent over the previous year.
Russian Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Bella Cherkesova delivered the keynote address, highlighting opportunities in digital cooperation, investment and emerging technologies.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said technology and digital trade could become a new pillar of bilateral economic relations. He pledged support for Pakistani companies seeking access to the Russian market.
PSEB Chief Executive Officer Faisal Jeddy outlined a framework for converting discussions into business contracts through company matching, pilot projects and designated representatives from both countries.
Industry representatives also discussed joint opportunities in cybersecurity, enterprise software, financial technology, AI, cloud computing and quantum technologies.
In his concluding remarks, Secretary IT and Telecommunication Zarrar Hasham Khan said the government would facilitate market intelligence, regulatory coordination and business visibility to help companies launch pilot projects.
He said progress would be reviewed regularly to ensure that discussions translated into practical partnerships, investment and commercial opportunities.