HYDERABAD: Global shift towards information technology (IT) and e-commerce has transformed economies, offering a robust alternative to traditional natural resources.

Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry President Mohammad Farooq Shaikhani said in a statement issued here on Sunday.

Highlighting the remarkable achievements of neighbouring nations, He said India’s IT exports were projected to reach $194 billion in 2024 while China’s exports were expected to surpass $1.2 trillion. He said Pakistan’s IT industry, in contrast, had only earned few billions. He has urged the government to unveil a comprehensive strategy to position Hyderabad as a premier IT and e-commerce hub.

He pointed out that region already boasted prestigious institutions like ZABIST, FAST, national incubation centres (NICs) and universities, which were spearheading IT and technology education. By uniting those educational powerhouses on a single platform, Hyderabad had potential to become a world-class IT business center, he added.

He said Hyderabad possesses full potential to emerge as a premier hub for IT and software businesses. However, he stressed that potential could only be realised with robust support and effective policies from the government. He called upon both the federal and provincial IT ministers to visit Hyderabad and assess its resources and see that region was developed in line with the contemporary IT sector demands.

He highlighted need for targeted training and opportunities to the youth of Hyderabad and interior Sindh in IT and e-commerce, enabling them to integrate into global market effectively. Drawing a comparison with neighbouring countries such as China, India and Bangladesh, he said those nations had made IT education a priority and offered substantial incentives to IT companies at the government level. He said Pakistan must adopt similar policies to foster growth of its local IT industry.

He addressed pressing issue of payment security for freelancers, noting a 47pc increase in freelancer income in Pakistan over recent years. Despite that growth, many freelancers kept their earnings abroad due to concerns about payment security, he said.

He urged the government to ensure secure payment systems for freelancers, which would encourage them to bring their earnings back to Pakistan. That move, he said, could significantly stabilise country’s economy and alleviate dollar shortage. He appealed to the federal and provincial governments to support youth through initiatives like ‘Bano Qabil’, offering them future business opportunities and guidance.

He shed light on necessity of key facilities to establish Hyderabad as a leading IT and e-commerce hub, with high-speed and reliable internet connectivity being paramount. IT sector could not thrive without a robust digital infrastructure, he said. Additionally, he highlighted importance of creating special economic zones offering tax exemptions and incentives to IT companies. He called for modern technology courses and training programmes in educational and IT institutions to prepare students and freelancers to meet global standards.

He said the chamber of small traders & small industry was dedicated to support fully the transformation of Hyderabad into a leading IT and e-commerce hub. He said it was ready to collaborate closely with both governments and private sector to develop Hyderabad into a world-class IT business center. He said the proposed initiative aimed at creating ample growth opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs in the region.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2024