ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government and the Saudi-led Digital Cooperation Organization announced on Sunday they would enhance cooperation in information technology by promoting public-private partnerships, investment in start-ups and supporting women’s participation in the digital economy. 
The DCO was launched by Saudi Arabia in November last year to strengthen cooperation across innovation-driven sectors and accelerate the growth of the digital economy. The organization’s founding members are also Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, and Pakistan.
Last week, DCO secretary general Deemah Al-Yahya was in Islamabad for meetings with the Pakistani president and other top politicians, as well as private sector leaders to support inclusive development in the digital economy and to strengthen the organization’s partnerships with Pakistan.
“The Federal Ministry of IT & Telecommunication Pakistan and Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) formally agreed to enhance cooperation and collaboration in the field of Information Technology and Telecommunication between member countries,” the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the DCO said in a joint statement.

The efforts the Pakistani government said it will undertake in collaboration with the DCO include promoting public-private partnerships, supporting the role of women in information technology, providing digital facilities in urban and rural areas, and investment opportunities for IT professionals and start-ups.
“Revolutionary steps are being taken in the IT and Telecom sector, and DCO member countries are coming forward to invest in start-ups,” Information Technology Minister Syed Aminul Haque said, as quoted in the statement. “The member countries could benefit from the expertise of start-ups in Pakistan by investing in them while highlighting their creativity.” 
The DCO secretary general recognized Pakistan’s contribution to the global digital economy and said that the visit had reinforced the importance of the organization’s partnerships with the South Asian nation.
“This visit has generated significant energy and a renewed focus on the inclusion of young people, women and entrepreneurs in Pakistan’s digital economy,” Al-Yahya said.
“The DCO is committed to enabling Pakistan’s progress in these areas, and I commend President Dr. Arif Alvi, the Government Ministers and digital economy leaders that we have worked with during the visit for their impact in enabling digital prosperity for all. We look forward to supporting Pakistan as a valued member state of the DCO for years to come.”

The DCO secretary general has also hosted sessions with Pakistani tech leaders who are developing finance products for the unbanked using mobile technology, and education platforms enabling school students to study online.
“I am delighted to be meeting with young Pakistan entrepreneurs creating digital solutions, and to see innovative IT companies such as including Oraan, Maqsad, and Tez Financial connecting more Pakistanis to the digital economy,” she said in an earlier interview with Arab News.
She also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts, especially in supporting women’s participation in the digital economy.
“As female digital inclusion is core to DCO’s mandate, I endorse the Pakistan Government’s efforts to enable women to benefit from the digital economy, including through the Digital Pakistan Policy and Universal Access Fund,” Al-Yahya said.
“These initiatives are making a real impact through including girls in the technology industry and connecting underserved regional communities to the Internet.”
During her visit, the DCO secretary general also launched with Islamabad officials the Pakistan Innovation Challenge to train 1 million students aged six to 18 by 2020.
“The students will learn maths, computer science, robotics, artificial intelligence, design and innovation online,” she said. “If young people don’t have skills, if women are left out, or if entrepreneurs are strangled by bureaucracy, we will all struggle.”
The Pakistani IT minister said the program was a “great example” of how the country is partnering globally to support the future of its youngest generations.
“The Pakistan Government is committed to providing all our citizens with the skills to benefit from our vision of a knowledge-based digital economy,” he said. 
“The reforms and initiatives under the Digital Pakistan Vision could set an example for the member countries. Pakistan can be a great hub not only for the world but also for the DCO countries due to its time zone, world class IT professionals, excellent English accent and Tax savvy conditions.”