Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated Google Pakistan’s office in Islamabad, describing the development as a “stepping stone” towards a long-term partnership and saying there was substantial potential to strengthen ties with the technology giant.
According to state-run PTV, the prime minister met a Google delegation led by Global Affairs Vice President Wilson L. White at the Prime Minister’s House. US Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan Natalie Baker also attended the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan was undergoing a major digital transformation and had significant potential to benefit from its young population and expanding technology sector.
“Pakistan is going through a major digital transformation,” he said, adding that the government was working to harness the country’s youth and technology potential, though “a lot more needs to be done.”
White termed the opening of the local office a “big milestone”, noting that Google had invested in and remained committed to Pakistan for more than a decade.
He praised the prime minister’s vision of transforming Pakistan into a $30 billion IT export hub, saying Google would support the goal by investing in Pakistani talent, manufacturing and infrastructure, and local businesses.
