KARACHI: More than 100 Pakistani IT and IT-enabled service (ITeS) companies are making their mark at LEAP 2025, one of the world’s leading technology trade fairs, currently being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This year’s event marks Pakistan’s largest-ever participation at LEAP, with over 1,000 delegates, including entrepreneurs, government officials, investors, and speakers. State Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion, showcasing the country’s growing influence in the global tech industry.
Key Highlights of Pakistan’s Participation:
- Strategic Business Deals: Pakistani IT firms are securing investment opportunities and forming joint ventures with international companies.
- Saudi Investment Support: The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) has set up a help desk to facilitate business registration for Pakistani firms, helping over 100 companies establish themselves in the kingdom.
- Sectoral Growth: Pakistani companies are focusing on AI, fintech, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and smart city solutions, which align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Industry Experts on Pakistan’s Growing IT Footprint
- Muhammad Umair Nizam, Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITeS (P@SHA), highlighted that Pakistani firms are attracting strong interest from international buyers, leading to multiple business deals.
- Saad Shah, CEO of Hexalyze, noted that Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on emerging technologies presents lucrative opportunities for Pakistani IT firms.
Pakistan’s IT Export Growth
- Pakistan’s IT exports reached $1.53 billion in the first half of FY 2024-25, with projections exceeding $4 billion by year-end.
- Exports to Saudi Arabia alone grew to $50 million last year, highlighting the kingdom as a key market for Pakistani tech firms.
LEAP 2025: A Gateway to the Middle East Market
With Pakistan’s growing IT sector and strategic participation in LEAP 2025, the country is expanding its digital footprint in Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The event serves as a stepping stone for Pakistani firms to leverage Saudi investments, partnerships, and business opportunities in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
