Saudi investment to boost Pakistan’s IT sector
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — Saudi companies, entrepreneurs, and investors are set to make significant investments in Pakistan’s rapidly growing IT industry. This announcement came during the Pakistan x Saudi Business Forum 2025, held in Riyadh alongside the LEAP 2025 tech conference.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Information Technology & Telecom, emphasized the forum’s potential to drive export growth, expand the IT sector, and create employment opportunities.
Jointly organized by the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), the event attracted over 425 high-profile attendees, including diplomats, government officials, and CEOs.
LEAP 2025: A platform for tech growth
LEAP 2025, themed “Into New Worlds,” served as a gateway for over 100 Pakistani IT firms to showcase their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, blockchain, and cybersecurity. The event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to position itself as a global tech hub.
Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman of P@SHA, highlighted Pakistan’s IT achievements, including $348 million in exports in December 2024 alone. He attributed this success to a skilled workforce and innovative companies.
“Despite all odds and challenges, private-sector and the IT industry performed exceedingly well,” he said.
Strengthening bilateral ties in technology
The forum also facilitated discussions between Pakistani and Saudi officials aimed at fostering business-to-business (B2B) collaborations. H.E. Ahmed Farooq, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, praised the event for showcasing Pakistan as a key player in global digital transformation.
“It gives the world a much-needed impression of the collective efforts of the Pakistani government and private sector aimed at projecting and positioning the country as the next big tech destination of the world,” he noted.
Muhammad Umair Nizam, Senior Vice Chairman of P@SHA, stressed that Pakistani firms remained resilient despite economic challenges.
Future prospects for digital cooperation
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), of which Pakistan is a founding member, played a pivotal role in promoting international partnerships during the forum. Initiatives like the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum and streamlined business registration processes aim to attract more Saudi investment into Pakistan’s IT sector.
With Saudi Arabia focusing on AI, smart cities, and cloud computing under Vision 2030, Pakistani firms are well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities. The ongoing collaboration is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy and boost its IT exports beyond $4 billion by the end of FY25.
