Islamabad – Google has reached a significant milestone in Pakistan’s tech industry with its announcement to manufacture 500,000 Chromebooks locally by 2026. This landmark decision was unveiled at the Agay Barho: A Google for Pakistan event, where Scott Beaumont, President of Google Asia Pacific (APAC), presented the first locally produced Chromebook to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
https://ehaven.pk/google-plans-500k-chromebooks-in-pakistan-by-2026/

Google’s Vision for Pakistan’s Digital Economy

The Agay Barho event highlighted Google's commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s digital landscape. With initiatives ranging from AI-driven tools to local Chromebook production, Google aims to transform Pakistan into a digital hub, boosting exports and creating job opportunities. The Access Partnership report, Agay Barho: Empowering Pakistan’s Digital Economy, emphasized the crucial role of the IT sector in economic growth, despite challenges.

Growth in Pakistan’s IT Exports

The report revealed a 2.7-fold increase in Pakistan's IT services exports since 2014, now comprising 35% of all service-sector exports. It forecasts that by focusing on mobile apps, online video services, and e-commerce, Pakistan could add about Rs1.8 trillion to its annual export value by 2030. The integration of AI and emerging technologies will further drive this growth.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Digital Ambitions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded Google’s efforts and highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s youth in driving economic progress. He reiterated the government’s target of $25 billion in IT exports within five years and announced plans to digitize the country’s governance system to enhance efficiency and transparency.

Government and Ministerial Support

Key officials, including IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, praised Google's contributions. Shaza Fatima emphasized the need for public-private collaboration to advance Pakistan’s digital economy. Google’s initiatives, which created nearly 1 million jobs in 2023 alone, are seen as vital for a robust digital future.

Google’s Economic Impact and Future Plans

Farhan S. Qureshi, Google’s country director for Pakistan, noted that Google’s AI tools contributed Rs3.9 trillion to the economy in 2023. The partnership with Tech Valley, Allied, and NRTC for local Chromebook production is expected to further boost job creation and technological advancement in Pakistan.

Scott Beaumont’s Commitment to Pakistan’s Future

In a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Scott Beaumont reaffirmed Google’s dedication to investing in Pakistan’s digital future. He emphasized the importance of youth training, IT infrastructure, and regulatory improvements. Both leaders are optimistic about the transformative impact of these initiatives on Pakistan's digital economy.

Conclusion

Google’s local production of Chromebooks is a pivotal development for Pakistan’s tech industry and a testament to the country’s potential as a digital leader. With strong government support and strategic collaborations, Pakistan is well-positioned for significant growth in its digital sector, paving the way for a prosperous future.