Pakistan and Russia move to turn IT talks into business deals
Pakistan and Russia held a webinar on 5 November to push technology cooperation towards commercial agreements. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said closer ties could promote innovation, investment and growth.
- The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) held the third Pakistan-Russia IT cooperation webinar on 5 November.
- Companies from both countries are exploring joint projects in AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity.
- Pakistan's IT and telecom exports reached a record $4.6 billion in 2025-26, up about 20 percent.
Pakistan and Russia have moved to turn government-level technology talks into commercial agreements by bringing companies from both countries together. The third Pakistan-Russia IT cooperation webinar was held on 5 November 2026.
The PSEB organised the event with Moscow's University of World Civilizations, and the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication supported it. Pakistani participants attended in Islamabad, while Russian speakers joined remotely from Moscow. Government officials, industry representatives and technology companies took part.
Discussions covered AI and cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital governance, IT trade and investment, digital skills and workforce development, and quantum computing. ProPakistani reported that firms including Ebryx, Positive Technologies, TMC and the Russian Quantum Center discussed co-developing cybersecurity, enterprise software, FinTech and AI products for Pakistan, Russia and third countries.
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the chief guest, said closer ties could promote innovation, investment and economic growth. He called on firms from both sides to pursue joint ventures, pilot projects and market access. He said the Uraan Pakistan plan places e-Pakistan among five key priorities, with the aim of expanding the economy to $1 trillion by 2035.
Iqbal said Pakistan produces more than 75,000 IT graduates a year, aims to train one million AI experts by 2030 and is setting up seven new AI centres. He named NADRA's digital identity system and the Raast platform as areas for cooperation, saying Raast processed 646 million transactions in one quarter. He added that Russia's scientific expertise could complement Pakistan's skilled workforce.
Russian Deputy Minister Bella Cherkesova spoke on policy, investment and emerging digital technologies. Pakistan's Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, said the embassy in Moscow would work with PSEB to support local companies.
PSEB Chief Executive Faisal Jeddy outlined the steps: identifying opportunities, selecting suitable companies and developing joint pilot projects. He said every participating company would leave with a defined opportunity, a named counterpart and a clear next step. He also said: "Partnerships rarely fail for lack of intent; they fail for lack of follow-up."
Federal IT Secretary Zarar Hasham Khan said the talks produced a shortlist of concrete opportunities. He pledged support in addressing regulatory barriers and improving market access so the first pilot projects can start without delay. Officials said they would regularly review progress towards practical projects and partnerships.
Why it matters
Pakistani IT firms could gain new export and partnership opportunities in Russia and third countries, in areas such as cybersecurity, software, FinTech and AI. The sector's exports reached a record $4.6 billion in 2025-26, and officials say they will address regulatory barriers to help firms enter the market. Young IT graduates and AI trainees may also benefit, as the government is expanding skills programmes and AI centres.
