Maryam Nawaz invites Chinese firm to invest in Punjab’s IT sector

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, along with a provincial delegation, held a meeting with senior officials of a Chinese technology company and invited the firm to make substantial investments in the Nawaz Sharif IT City.

The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital technology, skills development and innovation. Both sides discussed potential areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening Punjab’s growing technology sector.

During the meeting, an agreement was reached under which the Chinese company will provide specialised training to 1,000 young people from Punjab. The company will also train 300 women trainers to help expand technology-related skills and create more opportunities for women in the digital sector.

The participants also reviewed a proposal to establish an Artificial Intelligence Delivery Unit in Punjab. The proposed unit would support the provincial government in using AI-based technologies to improve public services and introduce modern solutions in different sectors.

Maryam Nawaz said making Punjab a leading region in artificial intelligence was one of her government’s key priorities. She said the province had the potential to emerge as one of the most active technology hubs in Pakistan and South Asia.

The chief minister said artificial intelligence could contribute significantly to Punjab’s economic development. It could also promote innovation, generate employment opportunities and improve the delivery of public services.

She said the provincial government was working towards building a stronger digital ecosystem by focusing on cloud computing, modern digital infrastructure and the development of locally designed artificial intelligence models.

Maryam Nawaz emphasised the importance of preparing young people for the rapidly changing digital economy. She said advanced training and access to modern technology would help Punjab’s youth acquire skills needed for emerging jobs and global opportunities.

The meeting also explored further cooperation with Chinese technology companies to accelerate digital transformation in the province.