ISLAMABAD — Pakistan and Google have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the country’s digital transformation, expanding technology skills, boosting IT exports and encouraging homegrown innovation.
The agreement is being presented as an important step toward Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s goal of expanding Pakistan’s IT exports and digital economy to $30 billion by 2030.
The MoU was signed during a reception hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a Google delegation.
Under the agreement, Pakistan and Google will expand the Google Career Certificates programme to provide more Pakistanis with job-oriented digital skills. Google has set a target of providing 150,000 Career Certificates in Pakistan during 2026.
The partnership will also give Pakistani students greater access to Google’s latest artificial intelligence tools. Eligible students will receive one year of free access to Google AI Plus, including advanced AI tools such as Gemini.
Pakistan and Google also agreed to cooperate on establishing an AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad. The centre is expected to train young Pakistanis and develop talent in line with the requirements of international technology markets.
The agreement covers several other areas, including strengthening Pakistan’s mobile application and gaming industries, expanding digital payments and promoting digital commerce.
AI will also be explored for improving public services and government operations. Under the Federal Board of Revenue’s digitalisation efforts, AI and data analytics will be used to improve tax administration and decision-making.
The partnership extends to agriculture, where AI technologies could support crop monitoring, yield forecasting and sustainable farming practices.
The two sides also plan to use digital platforms to help Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises gain access to international markets.
A joint task force involving the government, Google and other stakeholders will develop a roadmap for increasing Pakistan’s IT exports and global competitiveness. The task force will identify barriers facing the technology sector and recommend measures to unlock new growth opportunities.
The broader partnership will also focus on expanding opportunities for young people in technology, startups and digital skills.
The government said the cooperation with Google could lay the foundation for a new phase of digital transformation, AI adoption and technology-led economic growth in Pakistan.
