ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan and Google have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote digital transformation, innovation, IT exports and skills development in the country.
The MoU was signed by Information Technology Secretary Zarar Hashim Khan and Google Senior Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Southeast Asia David Weller at a ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and members of the federal cabinet.
The agreement marks a significant step towards establishing a Google office in Pakistan and strengthening cooperation in digital skills, innovation and technology.
Under the MoU, Google will expand its Career Certificates programme, with a target of issuing 150,000 certificates in Pakistan this year. Pakistani students will also gain free access to advanced AI tools, including Google AI Plus and Gemini.
The two sides agreed to establish an AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad to train young people and professionals in line with global market requirements.
They will also cooperate to enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan’s mobile applications and gaming industry, promote digital payments and expand digital commerce.
AI will be used to improve public service delivery, streamline government operations and support the Federal Board of Revenue’s digitisation programme. The technology will also be applied in agriculture for crop monitoring, forecasting and sustainable farming.
The agreement further provides for digital platforms to help small and medium-sized enterprises access global markets.
A joint task force comprising government representatives, Google and other stakeholders will prepare a roadmap for increasing IT exports and competitiveness by identifying barriers and growth opportunities.
The cooperation is aimed at expanding opportunities for young people in digital skills, start-ups and technology, supporting the Prime Minister’s vision of raising Pakistan’s IT exports and digital economy to $30 billion by 2030.
