At the LEAP 2025 technology conference in Riyadh, Pakistan has made a significant impact with its largest-ever delegation, comprising over 100 IT and IT-enabled service companies and more than 1,000 delegates, including entrepreneurs, government officials, investors, and industry leaders. This robust participation underscores Pakistan’s growing prominence in the global technology sector and its commitment to fostering international collaborations.
A highlight of the event was the insightful panel discussion featuring Mr. Abu Bakar, CEO of the PSEB. Sharing the stage with Omar Khasawneh, Incubation Lead at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and Kambis Kohansal Vajargah from the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Mr. Abu Bakar delved into the theme of “Empowering Startups Through Global Collaboration.” He emphasized the pivotal role of cross-border partnerships in nurturing innovation and scaling emerging enterprises. His discourse shed light on Pakistan’s strategic initiatives to bolster its startup ecosystem through international alliances, knowledge exchange, and access to global markets.
The Pakistani delegation’s presence at LEAP 2025 has been marked by proactive engagement in strategic networking, exploration of joint ventures, and pursuit of investment opportunities within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Pakistan Pavilion, inaugurated by State Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima, has served as a central hub for showcasing the nation’s technological advancements and fostering dialogue with potential collaborators. The enthusiasm surrounding Pakistan’s participation is palpable, with industry leaders expressing optimism about the prospects of securing substantial business deals and investments. The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) has further facilitated this engagement by establishing a help desk to assist Pakistani companies in navigating the business registration process, thereby streamlining their entry into the Saudi market.
The momentum generated at LEAP 2025 is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s IT export trajectory. Senior Vice Chairman of P@SHA, Muhammad Umair Nizam, highlighted that Pakistani firms have attracted considerable interest from international entities, resulting in several business deals at the trade fair. He noted that Pakistan’s IT exports had doubled in the last fiscal year and are on track to achieve another record this year, driven by new partnerships at both public and private levels.
The collaborative efforts of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Ministry of IT and Telecom, PSEB, and P@SHA have been instrumental in creating a conducive environment for Pakistani companies to expand their operations in Saudi Arabia and GCC nations. The ongoing participation of Pakistani IT firms in global tech expos like LEAP is expected to strengthen the country’s digital economy, drive innovation, and enhance foreign exchange earnings through increased exports and collaborations.
As LEAP 2025 progresses, Pakistan’s delegation remains actively engaged in dialogues aimed at fostering sustainable partnerships and exploring avenues for technological innovation. The insights shared by leaders such as Mr. Abu Bakar underscore the nation’s commitment to empowering startups through global collaboration, positioning Pakistan as a burgeoning hub for technology and innovation on the world stage. The palpable energy and optimism at the conference reflect a shared vision of a future where Pakistani technology firms play a pivotal role in the global digital economy, driving growth, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
