First Pak-Qatar IT Conference Held in Doha; 30 IT Leading Companies From Pakistan Participated

Doha, 03 Dec. 2023

First ever Pak-Qatar IT Conference was held on Sunday at the Hotel Marriott Marquiz Doha. Present on the occasion were Umar Saif, Minister of IT & Telecommunication of Pakistan, Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, CEO, Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Muhemmed Aejaz, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the State of Qatar, members of delegation including representatives of 30 Pakistan based IT companies, IT experts and guests.

The conference was organised by Pakistan Business Council Qatar (PBCQ), a non-profit community forum in cooperation and support of Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Pakistan embassy.

The event served as a dynamic platform to foster technological collaborations between Qatar and Pakistan. Moreover, Pakistani IT companies showcased cutting-edge products, services, expertise in the industry and ground-breaking IT solutions.

A panel discussion was conducted by Ahmad Javed, CEO Cytellite, participated by

1. H.E Dr. Umar Saif, Minister IT & Telecom
2. Dr. Fadi Nasser, CCO Meeza
3. Zeeshan Khattak, CCO PSEB, and
4. Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Chairman PASHA

The topic of the discussion was “Fostering Digital Transformation and Innovation in Pakistan and Qatar: Challenges, Opportunities, and Collaborative Strategies”.

Talking with Media, Umar Saif said that it is a unique opportunity for Pakistani IT companies to take advantage of Qatar’s entrepreneurial drive to expand globally. Pakistan is a vast country just two hours away, posses a robust IT infrastructure with a pool of skilled professionals, wealth of IT products and services can undoubtedly cater to Qatar’s growing IT needs. Forging a common, secure platform that enables professionals from both nations to share knowledge, expertise, and technological advancements can propel both nations’ technological ecosystem to new heights.”

He said that Pakistan is ready to serve as a digital corridor of connectivity for China and Central Asian states as Pakistan is finally beginning to see the political and economic stability.

He said that among his delegation include representatives of wide-range 30 IT companies from Pakistan to do business and to be part of the growth story that Qatar presents. Moreover, many Pakistani companies are ready to become part of this ecosystem, to expand here and do business. However, we will be focusing on different key areas that are of strategic importance for Qatar, such as fintech, cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Federal Minister of Pakistan for IT and Telecommunication added.

He said that these are strategic tactical technologies that every country must acquire. Qatar has a lot of in-home capacity and they’re looking to enhance that. Qatar is looking to expand on that and looking to specifically partner with Pakistani companies in all three domains’.

Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Financial Center (QFC) said that QFC is dedicated to cultivating an environment that encourages robust knowledge exchange, propels IT development, and embraces the seamless adoption of digital innovations. With a flourishing economy, a state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure, a favourable business ecosystem, and a robust digital development agenda, Qatar stands out as an ideal destination for IT enterprises and professionals. And in this context, I see a compelling alignment between Qatar and Pakistan, he added.

Talking to media on the occasion, Pakistani ambassador Dr Muhemmed Aejaz said that this event marks a significant milestone in the deep-rooted relationship between the two brotherly countries. Cooperation in IT sector will open a new, highly potential dimension for fostering a secure technological ecosystem and enhancing mutual trade and economic ties. Such cooperation creates a conducive environment for businesses, that are a key to achieving long term economic growth and prosperity in both countries.

A number of IT experts from various companies shared their innovative contributions at the event including Systems Limited, NETSOL Technologies, United Sol, and Shields.

Paying word of thanks to the participants and guests, Fawad Rana, President, Pakistan Business Council Qatar (PBCQ) paid his gratitude to Federal Minister of Pakistan Umar Saif and QFC CEO Yousuf Mohamed AlJaidah on their presence and key-note speeches. He thanked Pakistan embassy Qatar for their cooperation and support in organizing the event.

Rana said that Qatar’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy aligns seamlessly with the core objectives of PBC-Q. Standing as a key link between Pakistan and Qatar, our focus is on channeling technological the expertise and outstanding talent from Pakistan to playing a substantial role in realizing the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The event was conducted by Riyaz Bakali, President Pakistan Engineering Forum. He said that Pakistan-Qatar IT Conference will further strengthen ties between IT companies of Pakistan and Qatar, uncovering new paths for continued collaboration and advancements in the ever-evolving technology landscape.

Pakistan IT delegation will be meeting officials and various industry institutions and companies during their next two days stay in Qatar.

December 4, 2023 / Conferences /Exhibition, Pakistan Business Forum Qatar

About the Author

M Ashraf Siddiqui

Editor and publisher Ashraf Siddiqui is a well known Qatar based journalist and a social worker. He has been in Arabian Gulf Peninsula over 4 decades and enjoys rich knowledge on Middle East affairs

Comments (2)

Qaiser Khan – December 4, 2023 - 3:50 pm:

On behalf of the entire Pakistan community and organizations we extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible incoming delegates, embassy officials, amazing organizers, hosts and the communities wonderful participants.

Looking forward to the positive steps forward and further growth inshaAllah.

Congratulations to everyone. Great job really.

Very good to see Pakistani delegations all over in UAE, Bahrain, KSA and Qatar working on multilateral multiple fronts for progressive steps.

Wonderful article.
Ikram Butt – December 5, 2023 - 9:34 am:

Amazing experience of attending Pak-Qatar IT conference with greats talks and opportunities to connect IT businesses between Qatar and Pakistan.

The conference will certainly promote relations and trade between investors and companies of Pakistan and Qatar.

Congratulations to Riyaz Ahmed Bakali sab & whole Team.

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