ISLAMABAD: Dec 12 (DNA):The Ambassador of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Yerzhan Kistafin, called on the Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, in Islamabad to discuss collaboration in the IT and telecommunications sectors.
During the meeting, Ambassador Kistafin extended an invitation to the Minister to participate in a Joint Working Group meeting scheduled for January 27, 2025, followed by the 13th Session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on January 28, 2025, in Islamabad.
He emphasized the importance of engaging representatives from both private and national companies in IT to foster mutual growth. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja shared that the Government of Pakistan is planning to introduce a Digital Nation Pakistan Act, which will be implemented through the Pakistan Digital Authority. She explained, “This Act will provide a national master plan and a blueprint for Pakistan’s digital transformation.
” The Minister inquired about Kazakhstan’s successful model for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in IT. In response, Ambassador Kistafin highlighted that Kazakhstan has attracted 70% of the region’s FDI, amounting to $26 billion, and offered to arrange a dedicated session on how Kazakhstan’s IT and fintech expertise can support Pakistan’s growth in this sector.
Minister Khawaja noted the potential for learning from Kazakhstan’s advancements in digital payments, particularly at the retail and wholesale levels. She referenced Pakistan’s RAAST system, a State Bank initiative for online payments, as a convenient, state-owned, and free platform.
She proposed a tripartite agreement involving RAAST, Kazakhstan’s IT sector, and Pakistan’s Ministry of IT to explore collaboration opportunities. Ambassador Kistafin stressed the importance of soft digital connectivity, stating, “IT is the backbone of connectivity, and we look forward to the support of Pakistan’s Ministry of IT in this regard.
” He also emphasized the need to strengthen digital links between the two nations. Minister Khawaja revealed that Pakistan already has five Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with a joint working roadmap, which includes exploring opportunities for data transfer and the establishment of a digital corridor.
The Ambassador requested an additional Joint Working Group to expand collaboration beyond the existing MOUs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to bilateral IT sector development. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering innovation in the IT and telecommunications sectors.
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