Islamabad: A nine-member delegation of Google, led by Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson White, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad and discussed Pakistan's digital transformation, youth upskilling and opportunities in the technology sector.
U. S. Embassy Charg© d'Affaires Natalie Baker also accompanied the Google delegation. Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister said Pakistan was undergoing a major digital transformation of governance and the economy.
He briefed the delegation on the government's vision of 'Digital Nation Pakistan' and said several initiatives aimed at developing the national digital ecosystem were at an advanced stage of implementation.
The prime minister reiterated the government's commitment to upgrading IT infrastructure and training young people in information technology and Artificial Intelligence. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with Google, saying the company's presence in Pakistan would further strengthen its partnership with the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Google's initiatives that had enabled thousands of Pakistani youth to secure productive employment and expressed hope that the company would further expand programs aimed at upskilling and empowering young Pakistanis.
Google Vice President Wilson White briefed the prime minister on the company's future plans and said the local office would deepen Google's commitment to accelerating Pakistan's digital transformation.
He said Google would build on its existing partnership with Pakistan to create long-term opportunities for young people and help local businesses access global markets.
White also highlighted the potential of Chromebooks assembled in Pakistan for export to other countries in the region.
He said Google recognized the potential of Pakistan's young population and was keen to expand upskilling programs in IT, AI, gaming and other fields.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Wilson White, Natalie Baker and other dignitaries jointly unveiled a plaque to mark the inauguration of Google's first office in Pakistan.