Pakistan to Host First Digital FDI Summit in April 2025

Global Tech Leaders & Investors to Explore Pakistan’s Digital Economy

Pakistan is set to host its first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Summit on April 29-30, 2025, in Islamabad, reinforcing its commitment to digital transformation and economic growth. The announcement was made by Minister of State for IT & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja during the 4th General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) held at the Dead Sea, Jordan.

The Digital FDI Summit is a collaborative effort between the Government of Pakistan, the DCO, and the World Economic Forum (WEF). It aims to attract global investors and technology leaders to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s digital ecosystem, fostering innovation, economic expansion, and global tech partnerships.

Pakistan Showcases AI & Digital Leadership on Global Stage

At the International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF), a key event under the DCO General Assembly, Mehwish Salman Ali, Founder & CEO of Data Vault, represented Pakistan on the “Connecting AI Startups” panel. She highlighted Pakistan’s role as an emerging AI hub and unveiled plans for the country’s first AI Innovation Center. Led by Data Vault, this centre will accelerate AI startups, foster innovation, and integrate Pakistani AI solutions into the global market.

Strategic Engagements & International Partnerships

On the sidelines of the assembly, Mehwish Salman Ali held high-level meetings to strengthen Pakistan’s global digital collaborations:

• Meeting with Elm (Saudi Arabia): Discussed AI and digital security partnerships with Hakeem AbdulAziz Alrasheed, General Manager of Elm.
• Dialogue with Fit4Internet (Austria): Explored AI-driven digital literacy and cybersecurity initiatives with Mag. Ulrike Domany-Funtan, General Secretary of Fit4Internet.
• Bilateral Talks with Portugal: Engaged with Alberto Rodrigues da Silva, Secretary of State for Modernization & Digitalization, to collaborate on AI research and development.
• Invitation from Oman: Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Under-Secretary of Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, & IT, invited Data Vault to establish an AI innovation office in Oman to develop regional and international AI-based solutions.

Pakistan’s Digital Transformation Vision

Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to digital transformation, emphasizing the National Digital Pakistan Act, which aims to:

• Digitize the economy, governance, and society
• Enhance digital infrastructure & investment
• Foster global tech collaborations

She also highlighted the establishment of the National Digital Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to oversee Pakistan’s technological evolution and ensure sustainable digital growth.

These strategic initiatives position Pakistan as a leading player in the global digital economy, fostering foreign investment, AI innovation, and international partnerships.

The Digital FDI Summit in April 2025 will be a landmark event, offering global investors a firsthand look at Pakistan’s thriving digital landscape.