A delegation from Huawei, led by Mr. Wang Shunli, President of the Middle East Region, met with Planning Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal on Friday to explore collaboration opportunities in Pakistan’s digital economy sector.
The delegation, which included Mr. Ethan Sun, CEO; Mr. Yushaoning, Vice CEO; and Mr. Ahmad Mehboob, Senior Manager Government Affairs, highlighted Pakistan’s potential to emerge as a key player in the competitive digital economy. They pointed out that Pakistanis are the second largest nationality employed in Huawei, emphasizing the country’s significance in the digital market.
During the meeting, discussions centered around various projects to be included within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II project list. Both parties also explored collaboration opportunities concerning Pakistan’s Digital Economy Strategy, recognizing Pakistan’s significant potential for growth in this sector.
The delegation and Minister Ahsan Iqbal identified four key pillars for establishing a robust digital corridor: connectivity, data centers, firewall protection, and smart governance. Minister Iqbal stressed the importance of these elements in fueling economic growth and ensuring global competitiveness in the digital age.
“The only path to sustained economic progress for our nation is through comprehensive digital transformation,” Minister Ahsan Iqbal asserted. “Embracing digital technologies and infrastructure is not just an option; it’s a necessity if we are to thrive in the global marketplace.”
The delegation expressed Huawei’s keen interest in collaborating with Pakistan on proposed initiatives, reaffirming Huawei’s dedication to fostering technological innovation and economic growth in Pakistan.
Moreover, the establishment of a Huawei manufacturing setup in Pakistan was discussed, with the aim of fostering employment opportunities and reducing smartphone prices. Minister Ahsan Iqbal also proposed to initiate Islamabad as a model smart city, emphasizing the importance of digital infrastructure provision for the new age economy. Additionally, he highlighted the establishment of an Innovation Center at UET Narowal, inviting Huawei to be a technology partner in this endeavor.
In conclusion, both parties expressed optimism about future collaboration, recognizing the pivotal role of digital advancement in shaping the future of Pakistan’s economy.
