IT MINISTER’S FORUM FOR YOUTH, INNOVATION, INDUSTRY & EASE OF DOING BUSINESS DURING 19th EDITION OF ITCN ASIA (FROM 17 – 19 SEPTEMBER 2019) AT EXPO CENTER KARACHI
Inaugural session of IT Minister’s Forum for Youth, Innovation, Industry & Ease of Doing Business took place during 19th Edition of ITCN Asia from 17 – 19 September 2019 at Expo Center Karachi. The foundation of the forum was based on four pillars’ strategy, which comprehensively covered the life-cycle of ICT industry development by addressing the concerns/challenges and creating equitable opportunity for all the stakeholders through collaborative consultation amongst youth, innovators, industry and the government/public sector.
At Ignite pavilion, this year Ignite showcased its SEED funding, Digiskills.pk and 10 startups from its national network of incubators having two startups from each incubation center. The startups showcased included: Automated Irrigation & Aasaan Booking (NIC Quetta), PIXCILE & Medworks (NIC Karachi), Aero Engine Craft Private Limited & TRYDAN Pvt Ltd (NIC Lahore), Augmentcare & MimAR (NIC Islamabad), Nano Hive & Tutors gateway (NIC Peshawar). Around 500 people all across from various walks of life visited the Ignite Pavilion and took keen interest in its various funding streams alongside different products and services developed by startups.
Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui Federal Minister for IT & Telecom and Mr. Shabahat Ali Shah, Executive Director National Information Technology Board (NITB) & Chairman Ignite Board of Directors, visited Ignite pavilion and interacted with the startups.
Being a national lCT trade event, the ITCN Asia event irrespectively attracts a large footfall of ICT Industry players, consumers, funding agencies and foreign investors offering an organized and a relevant platform for integration and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
Key sessions were arranged on Innovation, Ease of Doing Business, AI and Cyber Security followed by exhibition of innovative technological products by various start-ups and individuals.
The platform enabled Pakistan’s talented youth to showcase their skills and for industry players ranging from start-ups to established global companies to network, discuss innovations and conclude business deals and partnerships. As per exhibitor feedback, ITCN Asia is likely to generate business worth USD 150 Million which could be monumental for the economy.
Organized by the Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan, the exhibition provided a platform for many telecom and industry-related companies to display their latest technologies and network with key stakeholders. The event hosted 350 Chinese delegates and over 50 other foreign guests.
During the event, Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that the government is making efforts to establish a regulatory authority which can improve the standard of education and skills developments related to IT in local universities.
The successful conduction of the 19th edition of ITCN Asia is a testament to the fact that Pakistan’s IT industry has immense potential and could be pivotal for sustainable growth.
