Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, met with Abdulrahman Al Suwaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank (QDB), in Doha, where both sides reviewed potential financial support, incubation, and investment opportunities for Pakistani tech startups.
The discussion focused on expanding opportunities for Pakistani tech SMEs and strengthening long-term collaboration between the two countries. The meeting aimed to establish a robust support system for emerging Pakistani tech companies seeking regional growth.
Shaza Fatima stated that QDB could serve as a strategic partner for Pakistan’s IT sector and its growing tech-based small and medium enterprises. She highlighted the talent of Pakistan’s youth and emphasized the importance of strengthening international linkages to support startup growth.
Both parties agreed to enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
They also discussed the potential for public and private institutions from both countries to jointly design programs to help businesses adapt to new digital tools. Innovation and digital skills development were key points of discussion.
The meeting reviewed possibilities for expanding training initiatives and designing new programs to help youth from Pakistan and Qatar enter the tech sector.
The minister proposed institutional collaboration for talent development, technical training, and startup exchange programs. She noted that organized exchanges between incubators and accelerators could help founders gain exposure to new markets and business models.
Opportunities for cooperation in industrial digitalization, IoT testing environments, and cross-incubation projects were also explored. These areas were identified as priority sectors where Pakistan and Qatar can jointly support emerging technologies and industrial development.
Both sides expressed interest in continuing formal consultations to translate these initiatives into actionable projects.
