Techno Time

Pakistan and Google Sign Strategic MoU to Boost Digital Economy to $30 Billion by 2030

Sunday 23 August 2026 12:25
Pakistan and Google Sign Strategic MoU to Boost Digital Economy to $30 Billion by 2030

The Pakistani government has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google to accelerate the nation's digital transformation, expand AI-driven innovation, and upskill its youth. Witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the partnership aligns with Pakistan's ambitious target to elevate its IT exports and digital economy to $30 billion by 2030.

Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that the country's large youth demographic presents a massive economic opportunity, provided they are equipped with the right technological tools. The comprehensive agreement aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence across key public and private sectors, empowering a new generation of tech professionals to compete in the global market.

The MoU was officially signed by Zarrar Hashim Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, and David Weller, Google’s Head of Public Policy for South and Southeast Asia.

Strategic Pillars of the Google-Pakistan Partnership

The table below outlines the core initiatives and sectoral commitments established under the new agreement:

Initiative / SectorKey Details & Commitments

Youth Skill DevelopmentGoogle will provide 150,000 professional certificates in 2026 to train youth in high-growth technical fields.

Student AI AccessStudents will receive free, one-year access to advanced tools including Google AI Plus and Gemini Notebook.

AI InfrastructureEstablishment of a dedicated Google AI Center of Excellence in Islamabad to train local talent to global standards.

E-Governance (FBR)Google will assist the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in deploying AI to streamline administration and public service delivery.

Smart AgricultureUtilizing AI for crop monitoring, yield forecasting, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Tech Ecosystem SupportBacking local SMEs, app developers, and gaming studios while expanding digital payment and e-commerce networks.