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FPCCI demands Software Technology Park (STP) for Karachi

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of FPCCI, has demanded that Karachi need a Software Technology Park (STP) to help create an enabling environment for the export of IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS). He added that the city has long sought an STP to materialize its potential in IT exports and attract large-scale investments into the industry.

It is pertinent to note that Mr Abu Bakar, CEO of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), visited the FPCCI Head Office in Karachi to discuss facilitating the investment of businesses, industry, and the trade community in IT companies to boost the country’s exports.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh reiterated FPCCI’s stance that Pakistan needs to diversify and expand its export basket. IT has the most efficient turnaround time and can quickly deliver the country’s results. Additionally, IT is the only industry in Pakistan with the potential to achieve exponential export growth.

Mr Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP of FPCCI, informed that FPCCI and the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) have joined hands to organize a first-of-its-kind technology start-up showcase to generate investments for viable start-ups and promote them on a national and international scale. He added that the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and PSEB will also fully support the event.

Mr Saquib Fayyaz Magoon stressed that FPCCI and the IT industry should aggregate their budget proposals and policy advocacy efforts to introduce transformational and change-making policy reforms vis-à-vis the IT industry in a macroeconomic framework through the federal budget 2025 – 26.

Mr. Aman Paracha, VP of FPCCI, proposed that PSEB develop a tangible plan to raise awareness among traditional business groups in Pakistan and diversify into the IT industry. We are willing to venture into the IT industry to diversify from our customary businesses; nevertheless, governmental support should be provided regarding a facilitative policy framework, clarity, and consistency in policies.

Mr. Zohaib Khan, former Chairman of P@SHA and senior member of FPCCI, proposed an alliance between IT-related central standing committees of FPCCI, business councils, and PSEB. We need to have a joint working group of PSEB and FPCCI with objectives: (i) to act as a matchmaking platform between IT industry and the business community for investment and collaboration (ii) to explore untapped avenues in important export markets like U.S., Europe, GCC and beyond (iii) recommend swift visa issuance to embassies for the genuine IT exporters, service providers, exhibitors and professionals from Pakistan (iv) create awareness on STPs and special technology zones (STZs).

Mr. Abu Bakar, CEO of PSEB, agreed with FPCCI’s principled demand to establish a Software Technology Park in Karachi to provide subsidies to tenant IT companies. He added that we are working aggressively to establish a large STP in Karachi to match its enormous, young, skilled and motivated workforce.

CEO PSEB highlighted that IT companies internationally are owned by big business and corporate groups – a phenomenon amiss in Pakistan – as it enables rapid provision of funds and expansion of these companies. He added that we must bring private-sector, domestic investment into Pakistan’s IT industry.

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