ISLAMABAD: A delegation from Huawei Pakistan, led by CEO Ethan Sun, called on Planning Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal in his office on Friday.
Highlighting Pakistan’s potential as a significant contributor to the global digital economy, the delegation said that Pakistanis constitute the second largest nationality employed in Huawei. They emphasized the projected increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in developed economies due to digital advancements, with over 30% of GDP expected to be driven by digital innovation and infrastructure by the next decade.
He was accompanied by the and Director Subsidiary Board & Deputy CEO Ahmed Bilal Masood, Vice CEO Yushaoning, and Senior Manager Government Affairs Ahmad Mehboob.
During the meeting, they disused potential projects for inclusion in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II project list, as well as collaboration opportunities related to Pakistan’s Digital Economy Strategy. Both parties explored avenues for digital economy transformation under CPEC, recognizing Pakistan’s substantial growth potential in this sector.
Identifying key pillars for establishing a robust digital corridor, the minister emphasized the importance of connectivity, data centers, firewall protection, and smart governance for fueling economic growth and ensuring global competitiveness in the digital age.
The minister underscored Pakistan’s role as a prime ground for digital economic expansion and proposed establishing Islamabad as a model smart city. Additionally, he highlighted the establishment of an Innovation Center at UET Narowal, inviting Huawei to be a technology partner in this initiative.
Ethan expressed Huawei’s keen interest in collaborating with Pakistan on the proposed initiatives, reaffirming the company’s dedication to fostering technological innovation and economic growth in Pakistan. Discussions also included the establishment of a Huawei manufacturing setup in Pakistan, aimed at creating employment opportunities and reducing smartphone prices.
