Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja met with Vasile Catalin, Advisor at the Ministry of Economy Romania, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in technology, digital innovation, and economic development. The meeting highlighted shared ambitions to strengthen digital ties between Pakistan and Romania, paving the way for potential collaboration in areas such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border ICT partnerships. Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation through joint projects and policy dialogue to support sustainable growth in the digital economy.
The discussion underscored the growing significance of Pakistan’s position as an emerging digital hub under the Tech Destination Pakistan initiative, which aims to promote the country as a center for IT services, outsourcing, and innovation. Romania, known for its growing technology sector and advanced digital infrastructure, expressed interest in exploring partnerships that can facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building between the two countries. The meeting also focused on identifying avenues for collaboration in software development, cybersecurity, and digital skills training, which can help strengthen the global competitiveness of both nations in the technology sector.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted that Pakistan’s IT and telecom ecosystem has witnessed strong growth driven by government-led initiatives under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MOITT). These efforts include fostering startups, expanding broadband connectivity, and promoting exports through organizations like Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB). She stated that collaboration with countries such as Romania would not only boost bilateral trade in the ICT sector but also create opportunities for Pakistani professionals and entrepreneurs to engage in global digital markets. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting international cooperation that can enhance innovation and attract foreign investment in the technology domain.
Vasile Catalin acknowledged Pakistan’s progress in building a resilient and expanding IT infrastructure and expressed Romania’s willingness to engage with Pakistani institutions to develop mutually beneficial partnerships. Both parties agreed that initiatives like joint research, talent exchange programs, and investment in digital infrastructure could serve as key enablers of future collaboration. The meeting reflects Pakistan’s growing engagement with European partners to strengthen digital diplomacy and reinforce its status as a technology destination in the region. By aligning strategies on innovation and ICT growth, both nations aim to deepen their partnership and contribute to a more connected and digitally inclusive global economy.
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