Pakistan’s technology industry has marked a new milestone as local IT exporters officially entered the Kuwaiti market for the first time. A 17-member delegation of leading Pakistani IT companies, led by Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), participated in the Pakistan-Kuwait Tech Conference 2025 — a two-day event jointly organized by the Pakistani Embassy in Kuwait and the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). The development signifies Pakistan’s growing focus on diversifying its digital exports across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, where technology partnerships and investment opportunities are expanding rapidly.
Kuwait, historically a challenging market for Pakistani professionals due to stringent visa policies, has recently eased restrictions, paving the way for new business engagement. The move comes at a time when Kuwait’s ICT sector — valued at $22.48 billion — is projected to rise to $39.83 billion by 2025. PSEB CEO Abu Bakar described the visit as “the beginning of long-term collaboration” between the two nations, emphasizing that the conference showcased Pakistan’s growing technical expertise, software capabilities, and potential for cross-border investment. Participating companies, including 10Pearls, TPS Worldwide, Abacus Consulting, Systems Limited, and Digifloat, presented advanced solutions across artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, fintech, healthtech, and agritech.
Industry representatives highlighted that this development reflects the next phase of Pakistan’s IT expansion strategy within the Gulf region. A2Z Creators CEO Muhammad Zohaib Khan said that Kuwait’s Vision 2035 — which focuses on digital transformation and economic diversification — creates an ideal landscape for Pakistani firms to establish a long-term presence. PASHA Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Umair Nizam added that Pakistan’s IT exporters are increasingly exploring new regional markets such as Kuwait, just as they successfully established operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He remarked that the current moment is ideal for strengthening Pakistan’s technology footprint while the country’s image in both technology and defense remains strong globally.
The conference also drew participation from senior Kuwaiti officials, including Aseel Al-Munifi (Undersecretary, Ministry for Economic Affairs and Investment), Dr. Khaled Mohammad Al Zamel (Chairman, CITRA), Najat Hussain Ebrahim Hamad (Acting GM, CAIT), and Athbi Jaber Al-Sabah (Head of Strategy, Planning & Governance). Discussions during the event revolved around investment facilitation, skill exchange, and joint ventures in the ICT sector. Kuwait’s exports to Pakistan currently exceed $2 billion annually, mainly through petroleum products, while Pakistan’s exports to Kuwait are about $200 million. Industry experts suggest that the inclusion of IT and digital services could significantly narrow this trade gap, adding depth to economic relations between the two countries.
The Pakistan-Kuwait Tech Conference 2025 marks not only the first formal entry of Pakistani IT firms into Kuwait but also a broader effort by PSEB to enable sustained engagement in new international markets. With growing interest from Gulf investors and increasing policy support at home, Pakistan’s IT industry is positioning itself as a competitive regional partner capable of delivering advanced technology solutions and contributing to Kuwait’s digital economy ambitions.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
