A group of Pakistani software entrepreneurs on Friday visited India's technology hub to see for themselves how this country has become a favoured destination for western outsourcing contracts.
"We are looking to India to take lead in the South Asian region to develop this industry." Pakistan Software Houses Association Secretary Nadeem Aslam Malik said after a six-member team visited several software firms in Bangalore.
He said co-operation with India would help Pakistan in boosting outsourcing revenue from developed nations, which sends software development and back-office operations to low-wage countries like India to save money.
The Pakistani companies were eager to set up joint ventures and other partnerships with Indian firms, he said.
For decades, hostile relations between India and Pakistan and stiff visa restrictions on both the sides have prevented the businessmen from collaborating or setting up joint ventures.
Friday's visit came in the wake of renewed peace efforts by India and Pakistan.