The CPEC is significantly transforming Pakistan's IT landscape, playing a pivotal role in nurturing a digital economy, generating substantial employment opportunities, elevating local communities, and attracting substantial investments, Executive Director Pakistan-China Institute, Lahore Mustafa Haider Syed told WealthPK. Scores of IT projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have either been completed or are underway. All these projects are crucial for the development of the IT sector, he said. The optical fibre cable, set to enter Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) through the Khunjerab border, will traverse the entirety of Pakistan, connecting from Mansehra district in KP to Muzaffarabad and further to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This extensive network will establish digital connectivity among different regions of the country.

Asked about the long-term projects in information technology (IT) between China and Pakistan, he said, "An agreement has been reached for establishment of the 'Pak-China Science, Technology, Commerce, and Logistic Park' near Islamabad. Covering an area of 500 hectares, the park is anticipated to incur a total expenditure of $1.5 billion over the course of 10 years. China will fund the entire project." With technical support from China, the Special Communication Organisation (SCO) has recently enhanced the existing network and introduced 3G/4G services in Gilgit Baltistan. This development will further strengthen the nation's broadband connectivity, he said. The availability of 3G/4G services in remote areas is not only providing an easy access to the internet but also generating employment opportunities for the local youth, especially women, he asserted.

Expressing gratitude for the collaboration facilitated by the CPEC, Mustafa Hider said the projected value of Pakistan's IT industry was expected to reach $10 billion by 2025. Currently, the country hosts over 2,000 software research and development centers, positioning itself as the fourth-largest hub for independent IT practitioners globally. In conclusion, the support that the CPEC provides for the development of (IT in the country is unparalleled, reflecting a deep cooperation between the two countries.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)