The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) will support the Business Agenda for IT and IT Enabled Services launched by Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) This was stated by Syed Muhaibulah Shah, CEO of TDAP while speaking at the launching ceremony of the Business Agenda for IT & ITES-2009 jointly organised by P@SHA and CIPE, here on Monday.
"This is a thin document, but it is extremely important," he said and appreciated the efforts of P@SHA and CIPE in preparing this excellent business agenda for Pakistan. He said TDAP had created a services export development fund last year to support this important sector's access to export markets. Presently, he said, in the global market of over $3 trillion, Pakistan's share in this sector was very low.
He assured that the TDAP would support an agenda for increasing software exports from Pakistan. He indicated that TDAP's efforts to analyse necessary legislative changes align closely with those described in P@SHA's agenda, and looked forward to working more closely with the private sector on identifying needed reforms. "We will partner with you, and we will engage with you productively," he said, looking forward to working with P@SHA to establish more opportunities for women entrepreneurs to access IT services in Pakistan.
Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) launched a Business Agenda for the information technology sector. This was a result of over 18 months of consultative efforts by P@SAHA through working committees that identified the legislative issues hampering the growth of this sector in Pakistan.
Jehan Ara, President P@SHA, while briefing the participants appreciated the assistance P@SHA received through the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), a non-profit affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce, to develop a forward looking live document. She said, "Pakistan's IT industry, led by members of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT and IT Enabled Services, has compiled a set of recommendations designed to reform policies affecting the IT sector.
These recommendations are listed in four major sections, namely Legislation, Finance, Human Resource, and Infrastructure. The industry envisions that the country is well placed to take full advantage of the cumulative impact of changes as recommended here. Pakistan will be in a strong position to emulate other leading Asian nations in establishing a firm base to play a continuing role in the creation of wealth, through building applications and services of both local and global relevance."
"To a large extent, modifications to the legislative climate will go a long way in supporting other changes necessary to leverage the full potential of this business sector. For this reason, it has been given priority. The other recommendations, many of which have an impact beyond the IT sector, take on an urgency given the rapid rate with which the IT and ITES business sector is growing world-wide and its potential impact across all aspects of society," said Ms Ara.
Speaking on the occasion, Mom M Fudda, Country Director of CIPE Pakistan, was glad to be part of this policy advocacy initiative by Pakistan software houses association. CIPE Pakistan has pioneered the concept of bringing together private sector stakeholders to develop a strategic dialogue focusing effective policy reform process.
He commended the leadership of P@SHA to come that far in this policy advocacy initiative. He hoped that these reforms recommended by the private sector in the business agenda document would encourage investment and stimulate business activity and economic growth in Pakistan. Andrew Wilson, Regional Director CIPE Washington appreciated P@SHA's efforts throughout the process.
He said CIPE came to Pakistan with a commitment to encourage private sector to take active role in the reform process as they were the most effective voices and change agents. Talking at the occasion, Imran Zia, Chairman P@SHA, discussed the importance of creating laws that fit into the local context, focusing on policymaking that makes sense for Pakistan. He also highlighted the necessity of working as a partner with the government to create effective policies and initiatives that have an impact on the industry and the country.