Amazon is forming a team to establish Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Pakistan to drive the adoption of cloud computing. Amazon has also registered a local office under the name Amazon Data Services Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
According to the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) database, the Pakistan office is led by Paul Andrew Macpherson as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while Shoaib Munir is a director.
A spokesperson from Amazon shared that the technology leaders are currently seeking a public policy specialist with a focus on driving AWS cloud computing solution adoption in Pakistan. The role focuses on removing regulatory and political blockers to cloud adoption.
Whenever big companies enter small markets, it is common practice for them to appoint an advisor on public policy. When Bytedance, the parent company of Tiktok entered Pakistan, they hired Hassan Arshad to work with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on policy infrastructure.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) directed banks to utilise cloud computing technology under the condition that systems and service providers shall be located in Pakistan along with all physical servers and services.
Under this rule, AWS would need to set up its data center and cloud server in the country.
According to the e-commerce policy framework of Pakistan, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication is in the process of formulating Pakistan’s first cloud policy, while the Draft Data Protection Act is at an advanced stage of consultations.
AWS hopes to work with relevant government departments in Pakistan as they develop and revise policies related to the digital economy, including cloud-first policies, data protection regulations, outsourcing guidelines, cybersecurity policies, tax policy, and over the top regulations. They will also proactively build relationships with key policymakers, politicians, and influencers.
