Pakistan and Russia partner to boost investment and economic growth

Both countries have brought their technology companies together to explore business partnerships and joint projects. The aim is to turn government-level relations into practical business agreements between companies.

Pakistan and Russia explore technology partnerships

The third Pakistan-Russia IT Cooperation Webinar was organised by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, in partnership with Moscow’s University of World Civilizations (UWCM). The event was held at the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives in Islamabad, while Russian speakers joined online from Moscow.

The webinar focused on technology cooperation, access to new markets and the development of joint solutions. Leading technology companies and industry organisations from both countries took part and discussed their skills, business needs and possible areas of cooperation.

The discussions covered several important technology areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity and the protection of important digital systems. Other topics included digital governance, IT services, investment, business partnerships, exchange of digital skills and workforce development, as well as quantum computing.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said technology had become an important driver of economic growth and change. He added that Pakistan and Russia had many opportunities to expand cooperation in this field.

Ahsan Iqbal highlights Pakistan’s digital ambitions

Speaking as the chief guest, Ahsan Iqbal said digital development was one of the five major priorities under Pakistan’s national economic transformation plan, “Uraan Pakistan”. The plan aims to increase the country’s economy to $1 trillion by 2035.

He said both countries should move beyond traditional cooperation and focus on technology-based joint projects. He also called for developing products and digital platforms that could compete in international markets.

The minister highlighted Pakistan’s growing IT workforce and said more than 75,000 IT graduates were entering the market every year. He also mentioned the target of preparing one million AI experts by 2030 and establishing seven new AI centres to strengthen research, innovation and links between universities and industries.

Ahsan Iqbal also referred to Pakistan’s digital services as examples of the country’s growing technological capabilities. He said the National Database and Registration Authority’s (NADRA) digital identity system had received international recognition.

He further highlighted Pakistan’s instant payment system, Raast, through which 646 million transactions were completed in a single quarter. According to him, these achievements show Pakistan’s progress in digital innovation and financial technology.

The minister said Russia’s strong scientific and engineering base could work well with Pakistan’s skilled workforce and experience in providing IT services worldwide. He identified AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital governance and other advanced technologies as areas where both countries could benefit.

IT exports reach $4.6 billion

Ahsan Iqbal stressed that the time had come to turn discussions into practical economic results. He urged technology companies from both countries to work on business agreements, joint projects, access to new markets and pilot programmes.

He said the success of this cooperation should be measured through actual growth in trade, investment, innovation and employment. He added that technology could open a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Russia.

Pakistan’s growing IT industry also offers opportunities for such partnerships. During the fiscal year 2025-26, the country’s IT and telecom exports reached a record $4.6 billion, showing an increase of around 20 per cent compared with the previous fiscal year.

Pakistan is now looking to enter more international markets and build new business connections. The country also wants to increase exports of high-value IT services.

Russian Deputy Minister for Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Bella Cherkesova delivered the keynote address. She discussed policy, investment and opportunities for modern technology cooperation between the two countries.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, said bilateral relations had entered a new phase of wider cooperation. He described technology and digital trade as potential new pillars of economic relations.

He added that Pakistan’s embassy in Moscow would work with PSEB to help Pakistani companies explore business opportunities in the Russian market. This support is expected to improve links between companies and help them reach potential Russian partners.

Joint working groups to turn talks into business deals

PSEB Chief Executive Officer Faisal Jeddy presented a plan to help companies move from initial discussions to actual business agreements. The process includes identifying business opportunities, selecting suitable companies, agreeing on joint pilot projects and appointing contact persons from both sides.

He said business partnerships often failed because discussions were not followed by regular action. PSEB wants to address this problem by helping companies maintain contact and move towards practical agreements.

He added that every company attending the webinar would have a clear business opportunity, a designated contact person and an agreed plan for future action. PSEB would continue supporting the companies to help turn their discussions into business deals.

Several industry-focused sessions were also held during the webinar. These sessions explored ways to develop cooperation between technology companies and identify projects that could be started in the near future.

A session chaired by Dr Ruksolana Zygun of the University of World Civilizations included RUSSOFT President Valentin Makarov and Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) Chairman Dr Shoaib Ahmad Khan. They discussed ways to strengthen links between the software industries of Pakistan and Russia through joint projects.

Dr Irina Sirenko also described the digital economy as an important area with strong potential for cooperation between the two countries. The discussion highlighted the opportunities available through closer business and technology connections.

Another session was chaired by PSEB’s Shahbaz Hameed. Participants included Ebryx CEO Ahrar Naqvi, Positive Technologies Regional CEO Yegor Rykov, TMC Group CEO and Managing Director Abdul Hameed, and Russian Quantum Centre Director Dr Alexei Akimov.

The participants discussed possible joint products and services in cybersecurity, enterprise software, financial technology, AI and cloud computing. They also explored opportunities to work together in Pakistan, Russia and other international markets.

Federal Secretary for IT and Telecommunication Zarrar Hashim Khan delivered the closing remarks. He said the webinar had identified clear business opportunities in cybersecurity, enterprise software, AI and cloud computing.

He added that the ministry would help remove obstacles that could delay these projects. This would include providing information about new markets, helping companies understand regulations and creating better opportunities for businesses from both countries.

Pakistan and Russia are looking beyond traditional trade and exploring technology as a new area of economic cooperation. Pakistan has a growing IT workforce, while Russia has experience in science, engineering and advanced technology.

However, the real success will depend on how quickly companies turn discussions into actual projects and business agreements. If these plans move forward, they could help Pakistan increase IT exports, attract investment and create more skilled jobs.

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