Pakistan and Google formalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, enhance digital skills, and promote IT exports and innovation. This initiative aligns with the government’s ambition to expand the digital economy to $30 billion by 2030.
The agreement was signed during a reception hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, welcoming the Google delegation. The MoU outlines expanded cooperation in areas such as digital skills development, artificial intelligence, IT exports, digital payments, e-commerce, and leveraging technology to improve public service delivery.
As part of this collaboration, Google aims to provide 150,000 Google Career Certificates to Pakistani learners by 2026, equipping youth with skills essential for the digital economy and the global job market. Additionally, Pakistani students will gain free access for one year to Google’s advanced AI tools, including AI Plus and Gemini, supporting their education and innovation capabilities.
In a significant development, both parties agreed to establish an AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad. This center will focus on developing the skill sets of young Pakistanis and building human resources tailored to meet international market demands.
Another key element of the MoU is the creation of a roadmap to boost Pakistan’s IT exports and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global technology sector. To facilitate this, a task force will be formed comprising representatives from the government, Google, and other stakeholders to identify challenges and opportunities for expanding Pakistan’s footprint in international technology markets.
The partnership also aims to empower Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by facilitating their access to international markets through digital platforms.
Moreover, Pakistan and Google plan to explore greater applications of artificial intelligence in government operations and public service delivery to improve institutional efficiency. This includes collaboration on the Federal Board of Revenue’s digitization efforts, particularly employing AI for data analytics.
In the agricultural sector, the cooperation will investigate AI applications for crop monitoring, forecasting, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Efforts will also focus on strengthening the digital payments ecosystem and expanding digital commerce in the country.
The agreement further encompasses support for Pakistan’s mobile application and gaming industries, aiming to enhance their global competitiveness. Both sides committed to creating more opportunities for young Pakistanis in digital skills, startups, and technology, helping local talent thrive in international markets.
The government views this partnership as a catalyst for generating new opportunities for youth, bolstering the national technology ecosystem, and fostering the growth of startups and digital enterprises. The MoU sets a framework for deeper collaboration between Pakistan and Google in emerging technologies and digital development, marking a crucial step toward a new era of digital innovation and transformation in the country.
