IT to spur growth in Punjab, says President UKPCCI

LAHORE - Our vision is to make Punjab the top e-governed, IT-enabled province, and a preferred destination for global IT businesses, as well as a major supplier of skilled human resource of IT, said Azfar Manzoor, Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board while chairing the meeting of a delegation of 11 members from UK Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UKPCCI) at Arfa Software Technology Park in Lahore today.

A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between PITB and UKPCCI for collaborative ICT interventions & growth of the digital ecosystem in Punjab. The visiting delegation was briefed about the nature and scope of PITB interventions in a presentation given by Chairman PITB, Mr Azfar Manzoor.

He apprised the guests that 65% of the population in Punjab is below 25 years of age, and they can be of great potential if trained in the right skillset. Presently, PITB provides consultation and physical support to 40 different departments of the government of Punjab in terms of process automation and launching new IT initiatives.

The delegation was informed that PITB’s strategy to accomplish this mission is based on supporting the industry, promoting entrepreneurship and job creation, digitization, e-governance and improving service delivery of citizen-centric services.

Chairman PITB, Azfar Manzoor also gave a run through of PITB’s entrepreneurial ventures such as Plan 9, Tech Hub Connect, e-Rozgaar, Herself and Plan X. While concluding the talk, he said that we would like to work with UKPCCI, and try to connect with the local industry to create new opportunities for incubators.

The delegation led by President UKPCCI, Amjad Khan lauded the role of PITB, showed immense interest in IT interventions and added that our prime interest is to tap into our young workforce and explore their talents and strengths. Currently, IT and tourism are the main priorities for economic growth in Punjab.

He also informed the investment of 200 million Pounds will be brought to IT, Tourism and other promising sectors in Punjab. UKPCCI is immensely pleased to channelize investment towards the market in Punjab, as the opportunity here is big and we have great plans for it, said the President UKPCCI. The delegation was also given a tour of PITB’s entrepreneurial venture Plan 9 where they were apprised of the projects being housed at the incubation centre.

Chairman PITB also presented a souvenir to UKPCCI delegation as a good-will gesture. PR