Staff Reporter
Islamabad
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reform and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said that businesses in Pakistan are controlled and influenced by those who have access to policy decisions and capital markets whereas those who have best ideas and willing to work hard are not necessarily the one’s to become winners. However, he said the advent of digitalization has the potential to break this barrier.
He was speaking at the introductory plenary of twenty-second Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) under the overarching theme of” Sustainable Development in a Digital Society”, organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Tuesday.
The minister said that revenue generation and documentation of the economy is a biggest challenge and only the digitalization of economy can help solve this challenge.
“Transparency and accountability can be ensured through the use of technologies where the educated youth can hold the government accountable, he said, adding that there has emerged digital divide the world over and to bridge this divide, we need a consolidated approach. He also stressed the need for coordinated efforts and revisiting the government practices at all levels.
SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri called upon the government to fast track decision-making, productivity, and institutionalization of its mechanisms so that a policy framework might be devised to embark upon digital revolution. He urged the government to bridge the digital divide through budgetary allocations and financial inclusion for the remote and digitally deprived areas to promote the digital technologies. Dr Abid said that the government also needs to train its civil servants on new skills and technologies and build the capacity of the state institutions for better future results.
Managing Director, StarTimes Communication Network Technology, China, Mr George Gu said that ICT products and services are contributing significantly in the GDP growth rate around t he world and millions are being employed.
