Pakistani IT Firms shine at China High-tech Fair

Pakistani IT Firms shine at China High-tech Fair with significant expertise in web design, app development and business data analysis.

Pakistani custom software development firms made a notable impact at the 26th China International High-tech Fair (CHTF) in Shenzhen, held from November 14 to 16. Among these was Koder Labs, a Karachi-based company specializing in website design, mobile app development, e-commerce solutions, and business data analysis. The firm marked its first entry into China’s high-tech market, aiming to demonstrate its expertise and seek collaboration with Chinese enterprises.

Koder Labs

Jawaid Gadiwala, Co-Founder and CTO of Koder Labs, emphasized the strategic nature of this move, stating, “We have been active in the western and Middle Eastern markets but have not explored the eastern market, including China and other East Asian countries, which are flourishing. We engaged in meaningful discussions with potential clients and look forward to collaborating with local Chinese manufacturers by offering software solutions to complement their hardware.”

Koder Labs was one of three Pakistani exhibitors facilitated by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Pakistan Software Export Board. This year’s CHTF drew over 5,000 prominent enterprises and international organizations from more than 100 countries and regions, featuring cutting-edge technologies and innovations across multiple sectors.

Spanning more than 300,000 square meters, the fair showcased 22 specialized exhibition areas, encompassing fields such as national heavy equipment, technology industry chains, specialized enterprises, new productive forces, and advancements in AI and robotics. More than 4,300 new technologies, products, and innovations were launched at the event.

10x Engineers Technologies

Another Pakistani participant, 10x Engineers Technologies from Lahore, also made a strong impression at the fair. This company specializes in helping chip design firms bring their products to market faster and at lower costs. 10x Engineers showcased its open-source image processor, “Infinite ISP,” and invited industry professionals and researchers to incorporate it into their designs.

Bilal Zafar, Co-founder and CEO of 10x Engineers, described the fair as a valuable learning experience for the company. He noted, “This is primarily a learning experience — gaining insights into the technological landscape of China, its people, and business culture. Observing China’s rapid development of its semiconductor industry and the impressive work by Shenzhen-based firms is invaluable.”

Bilal further highlighted Pakistan’s abundant talent pool of highly skilled engineers, known for their analytical and problem-solving capabilities, making them well-suited for roles in ISP design, hardware development, and verification.

Pakistan’s IT sector is witnessing robust growth, fueled by its expanding population, increasing digitalization, and a focus on technology as a crucial economic driver. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the country’s IT exports reached $3.2 billion in the fiscal year 2024, reflecting a strong 24% increase compared to the previous year’s $2.59 billion.

Muhammad Imran, Trade and Investment Counselor at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou, expressed confidence in the potential for Pakistani exhibitors at the CHTF. “Through B2B engagements, exhibitors will access new leads in the Chinese high-tech market, broadening and diversifying their exports,” he said.

Moreover, Industry experts and analysts in Pakistan remain optimistic about the IT sector’s growth trajectory, predicting continued expansion of 10-15% for FY25, with anticipated exports between $3.5 billion and $3.7 billion. A survey by the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) found that 62% of IT companies maintain Special Foreign Currency Accounts, emphasizing the sector’s reliance on foreign exchange earnings for sustained growth.