Global tech leader Google has launched an initiative to produce 500,000 Chromebooks in Pakistan, marking the occasion by presenting the first locally made device to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a ceremony held in Islamabad. The event saw Google Asia Pacific (APAC) President Scott Beaumont presenting the Chromebook to PM Shehbaz.
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to Google for its contributions globally and in Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of empowering the younger generation, noting their potential in the field of information technology and their ability to significantly contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the government’s target of reaching $25 billion in IT exports over the next five years, stressing that the goal is “quite achievable.” He encouraged IT experts and entrepreneurs to collaborate with the government to create a strategic plan for achieving this target, while also supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers.
The prime minister also expressed his commitment to transforming Pakistan’s governance system into a fully paperless and digitized model, aiming to combat corruption and enhance efficiency. He mentioned the recent transparent hiring of a new IT secretary to oversee these efforts.
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, praised Google’s pivotal role in driving Pakistan’s digital transformation under the prime minister’s vision. Google’s Regional Director for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, Farhan S. Qureshi, highlighted the economic opportunities that the technology sector, particularly for freelancers, could unlock in Pakistan.
The event was also attended by Information Minister Tarar and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who supported the government’s efforts in promoting IT-driven growth in the country.