FPCCI Urges Govt to Build Software Tech Park in Karachi
Introduction
Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), has emphasized the urgent need for a Software Technology Park (STP) in Karachi. This initiative aims to create a conducive environment for the export of IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS), addressing the city’s infrastructural challenges and unlocking its potential in IT exports.
The Call for a Software Technology Park in Karachi
The Need for Infrastructure
Karachi, Pakistan’s economic hub, faces significant infrastructural challenges that hinder its potential in the IT sector. Atif Ikram Sheikh has highlighted the necessity of establishing a Software Technology Park (STP) to overcome these barriers. The STP would provide the essential infrastructure and environment required for IT companies to thrive and expand their export capabilities.
Boosting IT and ITeS Exports
Sheikh underlined that Karachi’s demand for an STP has been longstanding. By providing a dedicated space for IT and ITeS companies, the STP would facilitate increased exports and attract substantial investments in the industry. The proposed park aims to create an enabling environment that nurtures innovation and growth in the IT sector, ultimately benefiting Pakistan’s economy.
Collaboration with PSEB
CEO PSEB’s Visit to FPCCI
Abu Bakar, CEO of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), recently visited the FPCCI Head Office in Karachi. During the visit, discussions focused on facilitating the business, industry, and trade community to invest in IT companies, thereby boosting the country’s exports. This collaboration marks a significant step towards realizing the potential of Karachi’s IT sector.
Expanding Pakistan’s Export Basket
The Role of the IT Industry
Atif Ikram Sheikh reiterated FPCCI’s stance on the need for Pakistan to diversify and expand its export basket. The IT industry, with its efficient turnaround time and potential for exponential growth, stands out as a critical sector for achieving this goal. By focusing on IT exports, Pakistan can quickly enhance its export revenues and improve its economic stability.
Technological Start-Ups Showcase
Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President of FPCCI, highlighted an upcoming technology start-ups showcase organized in collaboration with the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC). This event aims to generate investments for viable start-ups and promote them both nationally and internationally. Support from organizations like the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and PSEB is crucial in this endeavor.
Policy Advocacy for IT Industry Growth
Unified Efforts for Policy Reforms
Magoon emphasized the need for FPCCI and the IT industry to unify their budget proposals and policy advocacy efforts. By presenting a cohesive front, they aim to introduce transformational policy reforms in the federal budget 2025–26. These reforms would create a more supportive environment for the IT industry, fostering growth and innovation.
Governmental Support and Consistent Policies
Aman Paracha, Vice President of FPCCI, proposed that PSEB should develop a tangible plan to raise awareness among traditional business groups in Pakistan about diversifying into the IT industry. He stressed the importance of governmental support, a facilitative policy framework, and consistency in policies to encourage investments in the IT sector.
Building Alliances for IT Industry Advancement
Collaboration with PSEB and Business Councils
Zohaib Khan, former Chairman of P@SHA and senior member of FPCCI, proposed forming an alliance between IT-related central standing committees of FPCCI, business councils, and PSEB. The alliance aims to act as a matchmaking platform between the IT industry and the business community, fostering investment and collaboration.
Exploring New Export Markets
The alliance would also explore untapped export markets, including the U.S., Europe, and the GCC. Additionally, they would advocate for swift visa issuance to embassies for genuine IT exporters, service providers, exhibitors, and professionals from Pakistan. Raising awareness about STPs and special technology zones (STZs) is another key objective.
Commitment from PSEB
Establishing a Large STP in Karachi
Abu Bakar, CEO of PSEB, affirmed his commitment to establishing a large Software Technology Park in Karachi. He emphasized that the STP would offer subsidized services to tenant IT companies, leveraging Karachi’s enormous, young, skilled, and motivated workforce.
Encouraging Private-Sector Investment
The CEO of PSEB highlighted the need for private-sector investment in Pakistan’s IT industry. Internationally, IT companies are often owned by large business and corporate groups, which facilitate rapid fund provision and expansion. Bringing private-sector domestic investment into Pakistan’s IT industry is essential for its growth and competitiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the establishment of a Software Technology Park in Karachi is a critical step towards boosting Pakistan’s IT exports. Through collaboration with PSEB, policy advocacy, and private-sector investment, Karachi can overcome its infrastructural challenges and realize its potential as a major player in the global IT market.
FAQs
1. What is the main objective of establishing a Software Technology Park in Karachi?
The main objective is to create an enabling environment for IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) companies, facilitating increased exports and attracting substantial investments in the industry.
2. How does FPCCI plan to support the IT industry in Pakistan?
FPCCI plans to support the IT industry through policy advocacy, organizing technology start-up showcases, and collaborating with PSEB to create a supportive environment for IT companies.
3. What role does PSEB play in boosting Pakistan’s IT exports?
PSEB plays a crucial role by facilitating investment in IT companies, developing infrastructure like Software Technology Parks, and promoting awareness about the IT industry among traditional business groups.
4. Why is private-sector investment important for Pakistan’s IT industry?
Private-sector investment is important as it enables rapid provision of funds and expansion of IT companies, which is essential for the industry’s growth and competitiveness.
5. What are the potential benefits of a Software Technology Park in Karachi?
The potential benefits include increased IT exports, attraction of investments, creation of jobs, and overall economic growth for Pakistan.
