Pakistan Strengthens Google Partnership to Boost IT Exports and Tech Talent

Google’s First Local Office Opens, Technology Minister Announces Major Collaboration

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja has announced that Pakistan is deepening its partnership with Google, following the opening of the technology giant’s first local office in Islamabad .

At a press conference on Wednesday, Khawaja highlighted that Google’s local presence is a “significant development for the country’s tech talent,” expected to strengthen both the local and global technology ecosystem .

Google’s Economic Contribution and Training Programs

Google’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy, Wilson White, noted that the company has contributed over Rs3.9 trillion to Pakistan’s economic activity and supported more than 960,000 jobs over the past decade . He emphasized that the company’s goals align with the government’s ambition of making Pakistan a $30 billion IT export hub .

Khawaja detailed several ongoing initiatives:

• Over 17,000 teams registered for the “AI Sikho 2026” programme, with 25% being women 
• Approximately 50,000 developers have been trained in fields including gaming, animation, and app development 
• Google has awarded 350,000 Career Certificate scholarships in Pakistan, with 80% of graduates reporting job placement or business growth 
• Over 1 million Pakistanis have gained digital skills through Google’s various programmes 

Hardware Manufacturing and Export Potential

A key component of the collaboration is the local assembly of Chromebooks at a facility in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa . Khawaja noted that locally manufactured Chromebooks would be encouraged for export to regional countries, positioning Pakistan as an emerging hub for educational hardware .

Digital Safar Initiative and IT Export Growth

Under the “Digital Safar” initiative, journalists have also received training on topics including online safety . The minister also reported that IT exports have grown by nearly 18% compared to last year, with July alone recording $417 million in IT exports . “IT exports hold particular significance for Pakistan since they carry a trade surplus of roughly 85 to 86%,” she said, noting that the sector does not require heavy imported machinery.