The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is preparing to expand its footprint in Pakistan, reinforcing its commitment to deepening cooperation in digital transformation and innovation. This development follows a meeting between Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui, Director General of DCO, held in Washington D.C. The meeting focused on advancing shared objectives in the digital economy, fostering cross-border collaboration, and promoting inclusive digital growth across the member states.
During the discussion, Senator Aurangzeb reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to supporting DCO’s mission of accelerating digital inclusion and creating equitable opportunities through technology. He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts toward building a resilient digital ecosystem, noting that digitalization lies at the heart of Pakistan’s economic and governance reforms. The Minister also briefed Dr. El Haddaoui on Pakistan’s comprehensive digital transformation agenda, which emphasizes three core pillars: strengthening information technology infrastructure, developing secure and efficient payment rails, and digitizing all government payment systems. These initiatives, he said, are designed to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility across public services.
Senator Aurangzeb further underlined the importance of capacity building and digital skills development to ensure that the benefits of technology reach every segment of society. He emphasized that for Pakistan to fully harness the potential of digital transformation, it must invest in human capital and develop frameworks that promote inclusion, innovation, and sustainability. The Minister noted that the government is prioritizing initiatives that empower youth and women in the technology sector, positioning Pakistan as a key player in the regional digital landscape.
Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s proactive approach toward digital transformation and acknowledged the country’s growing role in shaping digital cooperation among DCO member states. She highlighted that DCO’s expansion in Pakistan will facilitate greater collaboration in policy development, digital trade, and capacity-building programs, supporting the country’s vision of an inclusive digital economy. The organization aims to work closely with Pakistani institutions to develop sustainable digital infrastructure and strengthen regional partnerships that drive innovation and economic opportunity.
Welcoming DCO’s decision to enhance its presence in Pakistan, Senator Aurangzeb expressed optimism that this step will open new avenues for regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and investment in the country’s digital economy. He said that DCO’s presence will help align Pakistan’s digital initiatives with global best practices and foster a stronger ecosystem that benefits startups, entrepreneurs, and technology-driven enterprises. The collaboration between Pakistan and DCO marks another important milestone in the nation’s pursuit of inclusive digital growth, reflecting a shared vision of harnessing technology for socioeconomic progress.
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