Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed the government’s dedication to collaborating with VEON Group, a global telecommunications and digital services firm, to enhance information technology, digitization, and artificial intelligence in Pakistan.
During a meeting with a five-member delegation led by Augie K. Fabela, Chairman of VEON Group, on Friday, the Prime Minister praised the significant contributions of VEON’s subsidiary, Jazz Group, to the telecommunications and fintech sectors in the country.
“We are eager to partner with VEON Group to advance IT, digitization, and AI initiatives in Pakistan,” he stated.
PM Shehbaz conveyed to the delegation the government’s commitment to developing the telecommunications sector, emphasizing the goal of increasing Pakistan’s IT exports to $25 billion over the next three years. He highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure fast mobile internet access in even the most remote areas and the introduction of 5G services, which he believes will help realize the vision of a Digital Pakistan.
Moreover, he noted the essential role of the telecom industry in fostering a cashless and digital economy in the country. The VEON delegation acknowledged the government’s recent efforts to stabilize the economy, noting that Pakistan is becoming a key player for investment in the IT and telecom sectors.
The meeting also included Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervez Malik, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal, and other senior officials.
In related news, last month, Jazz, a leading digital operator in Pakistan and a subsidiary of VEON, announced that VEON’s Board of Directors had decided to relocate its headquarters from Amsterdam to Dubai, where its expanding operational hub has been based since early 2022.
