Media Kit

Index

1. Event overview
2. About the Event
3. Event Context & Strategic Vision
4. Target Audience and Impact
5. Event Highlights & Schedule
6. Agenda
7. Event hosts
8. Press release
9. Visual Assets
10. Media content
11. Sample Articles/ Blog posts
12. Key Contacts (Media Liaison)
13. Digital and social Info

EVENT OVERVIEW

Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum

Islamabad, Pakistan | April 29–30, 2025

Organized by: Ministry of IT & Telecommunication (MoITT),

Government of Pakistan

In collaboration with: Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum 2025, a landmark event hosted by the Ministry of IT & telecommunication, Pakistan in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). With an ambitious vision to position Islamabad as the “Davos of Digital Foreign Direct Investment” Pakistan is set to host the DFDI Forum 2025 on April 29-30, 2025. It aims to position Pakistan as a pivotal hub for digital investments, driving growth and innovation across the digital economy.

The DFDI Forum will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and digital investors to explore new opportunities for investment, collaboration, and innovation in the digital space.

Join us as we work to unlock the immense potential of digital investments and contribute to the growth of the global digital ecosystem.

Event Context & Strategic Vision

The strategic vision of the DFDI Forum 2025 is to advance digital foreign direct investment on a global scale by:

• Highlighting Investment Opportunities:
Presenting actionable investment prospects in sectors like AI, ﬁntech, and cybersecurity across DCO member states.

• Fostering Partnerships:
Facilitating collaborations between IT leaders from DCO nations and international stakeholders to drive innovation and knowledge exchange.

• Shaping Digital Policies:
Encouraging dialogue on global digital policies that enhance infrastructure, adoption, and exports among the 16 member states.

By hosting this forum, Pakistan aims to solidify its role as a regional leader in digital transformation, leveraging its strategic initiatives like the Digital Pakistan Policy and National AI Policy to attract substantial foreign investment and drive economic growth

TARGET AUDIENCE AND IMPACT

DFDI Forum 2025 represents an extraordinary opportunity for Pakistan to not only showcase its technological prowess but also to assert itself as a hub for innovation and investment in the digital economy. With the world increasingly turning to emerging markets for the next wave of tech-driven growth, this forum presents Pakistan with a unique chance to connect globally, forge partnerships, and inﬂuence the international digital investment landscape.

Key Target Audience

DFDI Forum 2025 is strategically designed to engage a diverse and inﬂuential global audience, including:

• International investors seeking high-potential opportunities in emerging digital markets

• Leading global IT and technology ﬁrms exploring strategic collaborations

• Venture capitalists and private equity professionals focused on tech innovation

• Visionary tech entrepreneurs and startup founders aiming to scale globally

• Policymakers and government ofﬁcials shaping the digital economy

• Innovation hubs, accelerators, and incubators scouting frontier markets

• Corporate executives and digital transformation leaders

This forum serves as a platform to foster meaningful dialogue, unlock investment pathways, and position Pakistan at the forefront of the global digital revolution.

Event Highlights & Schedule

• Ofﬁcial Opening Ceremony
Featuring keynote speeches from Pakistan’s Prime Minister, the DCO Secretary General, and ministers from 30+ countries.

• Global Keynote Addresses
Top executives and leaders from 16 nations discuss the impact of Digital Foreign Direct Investment on innovation and development.

Keynotes by
H.E Shehbaz Sharif (Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
H.E Ishaq Dar (Deputy Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
H.E Deemah AlYahya (Secretary General DCO)
H.E Shaza Fatima Khawaja (Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Govt. of Pakistan)
H.E Muhammad Aurangzeb (Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Govt. of Pakistan)

Ministerial Roundtable Conference
The Ministerial Roundtable Conference at the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI)
Forum 2025 is a cornerstone event, bringing together high-level delegates from over 30 countries, including ministers, government ofﬁcials, investors, and industry leaders from regions such as Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

• Panel Discussions
Engage in dynamic panels featuring IT and ﬁnance ministers, investors, and IT leaders from DCO member states (Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Djibouti, The Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Rwanda, and Saudi Arabia), alongside international experts.

Topics include
• “Accelerating the Digital Skills Ecosystem”
• “The DFDI Landscape: Insights and Actions”
• “Collaboration for Success & Financing for IT & Tech”
• “Opportunities for Telecom Sector in the Digital Era”
• “The Potential of Investment in Artiﬁcial Intelligence”

• Workshops & Roundtables
Hands-on sessions focused on digital infrastructure, skilled talent, and innovation strategies for emerging markets.

• B2B Investment Meetups
Facilitated connections between Pakistani startups/IT companies and global investors—spotlighting ﬁntech, AI, and cloud computing and cybersecurity.

• Innovation Exhibition
Showcasing cutting-edge technologies from DCO member states within the $3.5 trillion digital economy.

• Cultural Evening
A celebration of Pakistan’s heritage with traditional music, dance, and cuisine to foster global goodwill and cultural exchange.

AGENDA

www.dfdi.pk/agenda/

EVENT HOSTS

Ministry of IT & telecommunication, Pakistan
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is the Government of Pakistan’s central body responsible for planning, developing, and promoting the country’s IT and telecommunication sectors. Its core mission is to drive digital transformation, improve connectivity, and support innovation through
policy-making, infrastructure development, and digital skills training. MoITT plays a key role in implementing initiatives like Digital Pakistan to enhance public service delivery, foster entrepreneurship, and build a tech-driven economy.
https://www.moitt.gov.pk/

Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), established in November 2020, is a global multilateral body aimed at accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy by fostering collaboration among its member states. As of January 2024, the DCO comprises 16 member countries: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Djibouti, The Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Rwanda, and Saudi Arabia.
Collectively, these nations represent a combined GDP of over $3.5 trillion and a population exceeding 800 million people, with more than 70% under the age of 35. The DCO focuses on initiatives that promote digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of policies conducive to digital transformation, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable global digital economy.
https://dco.org/

Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB)

The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), operating under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication since 1995, is the premier government body responsible for promoting the growth of Pakistan’s IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) industry.
Headquartered in Islamabad, PSEB plays a crucial role in advancing the country’s digital economy through initiatives such as establishing software technology parks, fostering academia-industry collaboration, enhancing human capital, and supporting innovation. By organizing international exposure for Pakistani IT companies and facilitating global business linkages, PSEB aims to position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global IT market, signiﬁcantly contributing to national economic development and technological progress.

techdestination.com

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC)

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), established in June 2023, is a high-level governmental body aimed at streamlining and accelerating investment in Pakistan.
Operating under the leadership of the Prime Minister and including key federal and provincial ministers as well as military representation, the SIFC serves as a “single-window” platform to facilitate foreign and domestic investments, particularly in sectors such as defense, agriculture, minerals, information technology, and energy. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring policy continuity, the SIFC seeks to attract substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) to bolster economic growth and development in the country.

https://www.sifc.gov.pk/

PRESS RELEASE

https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1kYeZ9ELMw5w8H-gdtp1YBv_ASq8xhvQ-/edit

VISUAL ASSETS

www.dfdi.pk/media-assets/

MEDIA CONTENT

DFDI Forum 2025

Event Details:

Date: April 29-30, 2025

Location: Islamabad, Pakistan

Introduction
Pakistan to Host the Landmark Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum 2025

Pakistan is taking a transformative step towards becoming a global digital investment hub by hosting the ﬁrst-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum on April 29-30, 2025, in Islamabad. This groundbreaking event is Organized by the Government of Pakistan in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization(DCO), and the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication, Government of Pakistan, aims to catalyze cross-border digital investments, foster innovation, and accelerate economic growth. The DFDI Forum 2025 will bring together global investors, policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts from across the globe to explore and enhance digital investment opportunities. Pakistan’s commitment to establishing a robust digital economy is reinforced through its Digital FDI-Enabling Project (DEP), focusing on:
• Expanding digital infrastructure
• Encouraging industry-wide digital adoption
• Promoting innovation in emerging technologies
• Strengthening digital services exports

A Vision for Digital Leadership

With a bold vision to position Islamabad as the “Davos of Digital Foreign Direct Investment”, Pakistan is pioneering the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Initiative. Spearheaded by DCO, this initiative aims to strengthen cross- border digital investment, foster innovation, and drive global collaboration. Hosting the DFDI Forum annually will further cement Pakistan’s role as a global hub for digital investment and innovation.

A Launchpad for Growth and Innovation

The DFDI Forum 2025 is more than just a conference; it is a strategic platform to redeﬁne digital investments, empower emerging economies, and accelerate technological advancements. Through thought-provoking discussions and high-impact collaborations, the event will create a conducive environment for foreign investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s digital economy.
The DFDI Forum 2025 will serve as a catalyst for global partnerships by facilitating connections between IT leaders, investors, and policymakers. Discussions will focus on creating regulatory frameworks, boosting digital connectivity, and advancing investment-friendly policies.

Pakistan’s Growing Digital Economy

Pakistan’s digital landscape is undergoing rapid expansion, driven by a large and tech-savvy population, increasing internet penetration, and a ﬂourishing startup
ecosystem. With IT exports exceeding $3 billion, Pakistan is becoming a prime destination for digital investors seeking high-growth markets.
By hosting the DFDI Forum, Pakistan is unlocking new avenues for foreign investments, cross-border collaboration, and technological advancement. This forum is more than an event—it is the foundation of Pakistan’s digital future and a stepping stone towards global economic integration.

Join the Movement

Be part of this historic transformation. Register now for the DFDI Forum2025 and explore the endless opportunities Pakistan’s digital economy has to offer.

Why Pakistan?
• Pioneering Leadership in Digital FDI:
Pakistan is to implement the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Initiative, leading the way for other emerging economies to follow.
• Thriving IT & Tech Sector:
With IT exports surpassing $3 billion annually, Pakistan’s technology sector is one of the fastest-growing in the region, powered by a young, tech-savvy population.
• Demographic Advantage:
Pakistan’s 64% youth population (under 30) brings fresh ideas, energy, and digital adoption, making it an attractive destination for global tech investment.
• Expanding Digital Infrastructure:
With 142 million internet users and 73 million smartphone users, Pakistan’s growing digital penetration (53.57% internet penetration by 2025) makes it a key market for digital services and technologies.
• Over 26k+ IT/ITeS companies
Pakistan’s IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) sector is rapidly expanding, with over 26,000 registered companies operating across the country. These companies offer a wide range of services, including software development, business process outsourcing (BPO), IT consulting, and digital solutions for both local and international clients.

Testimonials

H. E Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister of Pakistan

“As Prime Minister of Pakistan, I extend a warm welcome to the Digital FDI Forum 2025, taking place in Islamabad on April 29-30. This prestigious gathering will bring together global investors, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore new frontiers in digital investment. As the ﬁrst nation to implement the Digital FDI Initiative, Pakistan is setting the stage for transformative growth, backed by a thriving tech ecosystem and over $3 billion in IT exports.
With our upcoming 2026 DCO presidency, we are committed to fostering innovation, building strategic partnerships, and shaping a future-ready digital economy. I invite you to join us in Islamabad and be part of this deﬁning moment in global digital investment.”

Shaza Fatima Khawaja
Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication

“The Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum 2025, hosted by the Government of Pakistan in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), is a strategic initiative designed to position Pakistan as a pivotal hub for digital investments”

H.E Deemah AlYahya
Founding Secretary General DCO

“We look forward to welcoming you to the Digital FDI Forum 2025 in Islamabad, hosted in partnership with Pakistan and the Digital Cooperation Organization. As digital transformation continues to reshape global economies, Pakistan is emerging as a dynamic center for digital innovation and leadership, highlighted by its upcoming presidency of the DCO in 2026. This landmark event will spotlight Pakistan’s strategic role, bringing together global leaders and innovators to explore the vast opportunities in AI, ﬁntech, cybersecurity, and more. Join us in shaping forward-looking policies and partnerships that will drive digital prosperity for Pakistan and the international community.”

For more information on Pakistan’s Tech sectors

techdestination.com/it-industry-roundups/