Google says its new Pakistan office will deepen digital partnerships, expand skills programs and create long-term opportunities for young people and local businesses.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda received a major boost Tuesday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a nine-member Google delegation in Islamabad, with the technology giant outlining plans to expand its presence and support opportunities in artificial intelligence, IT, gaming and digital business.
The delegation was led by Google Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson White. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker also attended the meeting.
Welcoming the delegation, Shehbaz said Pakistan was pursuing wide-ranging digital transformation, including the digitization of government services and the economy. He briefed the delegation on the government’s “Digital Nation Pakistan” vision and said several initiatives aimed at building a national digital ecosystem were nearing completion.
The prime minister also highlighted government programs focused on training young Pakistanis in information technology and artificial intelligence. He stressed the importance of working with global technology companies such as Google to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and develop the country’s technology workforce.
Shehbaz welcomed Google’s decision to establish an office in Pakistan, saying the move would further strengthen cooperation between the company and the country. He also praised Google’s contribution to Pakistan’s digital economy and initiatives that have provided employment opportunities for thousands of young Pakistanis.
White briefed the prime minister on Google’s future plans for Pakistan, saying the local office would reinforce the company’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation. He said Google intends to build on existing partnerships to create long-term opportunities for young people and help local businesses reach international markets.
The Google executive also expressed satisfaction with the Chromebook assembly line established in Pakistan in partnership with local stakeholders. He said there was significant potential for Chromebooks assembled in Pakistan to be exported to other countries in the region.
Google also plans to expand skills development initiatives in areas including IT, AI and gaming, according to the prime minister’s office.
At the meeting, Shehbaz, White, Baker and other dignitaries jointly unveiled a plaque marking the opening of Google’s office in Pakistan.
The development could deepen Pakistan’s links with the global technology sector while creating new opportunities for digital skills, technology exports, local businesses and youth employment.
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