LAHORE, February 25, 2025 – A delegation from the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA) met with the Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in a significant discussion aimed at boosting the growth of Pakistan’s IT sector. The meeting, held at TDAP Lahore, was led by P@SHA Chairman, Sajjad Mustafa Syed, and included Abdul Wahab, Chairman of the Industrial Collaboration Committee at P@SHA, and Haris Naseer, Chief Operating Officer of InfoTech Group. Ms. Rafia Syed, Director General of TDAP Punjab/Services Division, was also present at the meeting.
The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss the challenges currently faced by Pakistan’s IT sector, and how both organizations could work together to overcome these obstacles. The discussion delved into various issues impacting the industry, including the need for increased global market access, improving exports, and optimizing Pakistan’s participation in upcoming international exhibitions and trade delegations.
During the session, P@SHA highlighted the importance of a structured, collaborative approach to enhancing the IT sector’s competitiveness on the global stage. Both parties acknowledged the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the IT sector and emphasized the need for a more inclusive support structure. One of the key points raised was the necessity of providing better representation and facilitating SMEs in a way that allows them to compete effectively in international markets.
The delegation stressed the importance of better leveraging TDAP’s resources and expertise to increase Pakistan’s IT exports. This included discussions on the upcoming TDAP trade calendar for 2025, which will provide numerous opportunities for Pakistani IT firms to showcase their products and services to international buyers. The meeting aimed to ensure that Pakistan’s IT sector gets the attention and opportunities it deserves in these trade events, helping companies build relationships with potential clients and expand their presence globally.
A major aspect of the conversation was the commitment to developing joint initiatives that could support IT firms in reaching new international markets. Both P@SHA and TDAP agreed on the need for a coordinated strategy to promote IT exports more effectively and streamline the processes for SMEs looking to expand their reach. This collaboration is expected to focus on removing barriers to entry in foreign markets, such as regulatory hurdles and limited access to trade platforms, which often hinder smaller companies.
The discussions also touched on the need for continuous dialogue between P@SHA, TDAP, and other stakeholders in the public and private sectors to ensure that the IT industry remains a key pillar of Pakistan’s economic growth. With an increasing demand for digital solutions globally, there is a clear opportunity for Pakistan to capitalize on its growing IT capabilities. However, to fully leverage this potential, there needs to be an integrated approach to policy, trade, and industry development.
In conclusion, the meeting resulted in a mutual commitment to fostering an environment that encourages growth in the IT sector, particularly by improving Pakistan’s global market presence. Both P@SHA and TDAP reaffirmed their determination to develop initiatives that will support IT companies—especially SMEs—by providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed internationally.
The outcome of this dialogue marks a step forward in enhancing Pakistan’s IT sector and improving its competitiveness in the global marketplace, offering more opportunities for export growth, international collaboration, and increased industry recognition.