One of Pakistan’s leading IT exporters, Noman Said, has highlighted the transformative potential of the country’s information technology industry, citing a significant boost in IT exports to Saudi Arabia as a key driver. In April 2024, Pakistan’s IT exports reached an unprecedented $310 million, the highest ever recorded despite an already elevated month-on-month (MoM) base.
Noman Said emphasized that IT exports to Saudi Arabia have surged by $100 million annually over the past two years. Statistical projections indicate that Saudi Arabia is on track to become Pakistan’s largest IT export destination in the near future.
In March 2024, IT export figures hit $306 million, marking a historical peak at the time. The consistent growth in export numbers underscores the IT sector’s superior performance compared to other conventional economic sectors, establishing it as the most dynamic and forward-looking export industry in Pakistan.
Noman Said further analysed trade statistics, revealing that the IT industry boasts a trade surplus of 77%, and is among the top sectors attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) from Saudi Arabia. He credited the formation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and its designation of information technology as a focal area for this progress. Additionally, he acknowledged the collective efforts of the industry under the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA).
Reflecting on Pakistan’s participation in LEAP 2024, Noman Said described it as the country’s most successful global IT exposition to date, generating leads worth up to $500 million. He highlighted this event as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s role as a key partner in Pakistan’s emerging technologies sector.
The IT industry’s impressive performance and robust export growth to Saudi Arabia underscore its potential as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic transformation, heralding a new era of innovation and international collaboration.