Tech Desk 
Mar 22, 2025
Pakistan will host its first Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Summit on April 29-30 to invite global tech investors. The event, organised by Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, will gather international stakeholders, investors, and diplomats to discuss digital investment opportunities in the country.
Saudi Arabia is leading the effort to arrange the conference in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO).
Notably, the purpose is to market Pakistan's digital economy, highlighting its emerging IT sector, startups, and talented youth. The nation has more than 150 million young individuals aged below 35, which is a draw for tech companies.
Addressing ambassadors and DCO member states, the IT minister highlighted Pakistan's strengths in cybersecurity, fintech, and emerging technologies.
She also stressed that several local startups are on the verge of becoming unicorn companies and that government programmes such as National Incubation Centres and Special Technology Zones offer tax exemptions and other benefits for investors.
Government support and digital growth
To further fortify the tech ecosystem, Pakistan is educating more than 3 million individuals in digital skills. The government is also developing improved international payment systems since Pakistan, although it is the third-largest freelancing economy, still does not have global payment gateways.
