Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Tech Ties, Launch Plans for Digital Corridor and Semiconductor Training

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening technological collaboration following a high-level meeting between Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Saudi Minister for Communications and IT Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to accelerate work on the Pakistan Digital Corridor, a strategic initiative aimed at connecting Pakistan with China and Central Asia, enhancing regional and global digital integration.

A key highlight of the meeting was Pakistan’s approval of a Rs 4.8 billion initiative under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), which aims to train over 7,000 youth in semiconductor technologies and modern computing. This step is seen as a major investment in Pakistan’s tech talent and future workforce.

Minister Shaza Fatima expressed Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s National Semiconductor Hub, emphasising the need for joint ventures in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computing technologies.

Both countries also explored potential collaboration under the Saudi National Technology Development Program, with a focus on expanding private-sector partnerships and innovation-driven cooperation.

The meeting also acknowledged Pakistan’s cybersecurity advancements and the strategic role played by its armed forces in safeguarding digital infrastructure.

Officials from both nations reaffirmed their shared vision of becoming leaders in emerging technologies, with an emphasis on regional cooperation, innovation, and sustainable tech growth.