Pakistan and Google on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation on…
Pakistan and Google on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation on digital skills, artificial intelligence and technology-driven growth as the government targets a USD 30 billion digital economy by 2030.
The agreement covers a range of areas, including skills development, AI, government services, agriculture, digital payments, app development and the gaming industry.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who witnessed the signing during a reception for a visiting Google delegation, called it a significant step in Pakistan’s partnership with the tech giant.
READ MORE: Google launches Digital Pasban to boost online safety in Pakistan
He said modern technology and digital skills could empower Pakistan’s youth and contribute to an important field. He said the Google delegation’s visit came at a time when Pakistan was undergoing a “major digital transformation” in several areas, including governance. “With our youth bulge, we can really turn around Pakistan’s fortunes,” he said.
Under the MoU, Google plans to provide 150,000 Google Career Certificates to Pakistani youth in 2026, with the possibility of expanding the programme in subsequent years.
The certificates are intended to equip young people with market-oriented skills in high-demand technical fields and improve their access to employment opportunities.
The company will also explore providing students with advanced AI tools, including one-year free access to Google AI Plus and Gemini Notebook, to support academic and research work.
A dedicated Google AI Centre of Excellence will be established in Islamabad to train young people and develop human resources to meet international technology-market standards.
The agreement also envisages greater use of AI in government. Under the prime minister’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) transformation plan, Google will support the tax authority in using AI to modernise public service delivery, streamline operations and advance its digital transformation.
AI applications will also be explored in agriculture, including crop monitoring, yield forecasting and sustainable farming. Digital platforms are to be used to help small and medium-sized enterprises expand their reach into international markets.
The two sides also agreed to work together to support local app developers and gaming studios, while exploring measures to strengthen the digital payments ecosystem and expand digital trade.
A joint task force comprising representatives of the government, Google and key industry stakeholders will identify barriers and opportunities for increasing IT exports.
Its work will include examining an investment framework for hardware manufacturing and services, improving access to international markets and upgrading the skills of Pakistan’s technology workforce.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima said the government had spent the past two years strengthening digital infrastructure, easing business and expanding the country’s IT talent pool. Google Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand Farhan Qureshi said the company was looking to deepen its partnership with Pakistan following the recent inauguration of its office in the country.
He said the partnership would unlock Pakistan’s digital potential by equipping its next generation with critical skills, AI tools and technologies needed to drive the country towards a USD 30bn digital economy.
The MoU was signed by Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Zarrar Hasham and Google’s Head of South-East Asia and South Asia Public Policy, David Weller.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, Google Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson White, and other senior officials.
Reference Link:- https://www.brecorder.com/news/40436036