Deputy Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb among others have highlighted the country’s growing potential in the technology and maritime sectors, hailing the launch of Google Chromebook assembly line in Pakistan aimed at making the country an export hub.

 

Pakistan’s first Google Chromebook assembly line was on Tuesday launched in a ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar who termed it “a defining moment” in the country's digital transformation.

 

The new assembly line, located at the National Radio & Tele¬com¬munications Corpora¬tion’s (NRTC) Haripur facility, will produce up to 500,000 Chrome¬books annually.

 

These devices will be high-quality, secure, and affordable and tailored specifically for educational and public sector use.

 

Google has unveiled plans to deepen its local presence to provide on-the-ground support to Pakistani businesses, helping them scale their operations and reach global markets.

 

Speaking at the occasion, Dar said the ‘Digital Nation Pakistan’ vision reflected the government’s resolve to empower youth with digital skills, equip them with modern tools and ensure equal access to opportunities.

 

He said that under a strategic memorandum of understanding, Google and Pakistan would “collaborate to provide skills training for 100,000 developers nationwide while also developing targeted programmes for the gaming and startup industries”.

 

“Together, we will also advance localised AI-powered solutions, such as Android services for public safety and offer 100,000 Google Careers certificates to equip Pakistanis with world-class digital training and globally recognised credentials.”

 

Speaking at a summit in Karachi, the finance minister emphasised the need to equip youth with digital and technical skills to help them capture higher-value opportunities in coding, blockchain and AI-driven sectors.

 

“Google's plan to establish Pakistan as an export hub aligns with our vision for AI-driven growth. There are vast opportunities to expand the blue economy,” Aurangzeb said, adding that Pakistan's economy is moving in the right direction.

 

He emphasised that sustainable growth could only be achieved through production-driven development.

 

“The private sector plays a vital role in economic progress. Our focus will remain on the IT and maritime sectors to transform Pakistan into an export-oriented economy,” he said.