#Pakistan #Islamabad #Digital Cooperation #DCO #DFDI Forum

Pakistan Hosts the DCO's Inaugural Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum 2025

In a groundbreaking event for the digital economy, the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the Government of Pakistan successfully concluded the inaugural Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum 2025 (DFDI) from April 29-30, 2025. This two-day forum attracted 700 delegates from governments, investment sectors, and technology industries around the globe and was held in Islamabad. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif heralded this event as a significant milestone, stating it underscores Pakistan's commitment to fostering a robust digital economy.

During the forum, international leaders convened to explore ways of redefining investment frameworks and unlocking new opportunities, showcasing a myriad of products from over 40 international companies and startups. The event was a melting pot of ideas, boasting the presence of 35 ministers and official delegations from various countries, alongside more than 30 global speakers and 50 CEOs from leading IT firms.

The Digital FDI Initiative

A pivotal highlight of the forum was the launch of the Digital FDI Pakistan Insight Report that outlines Pakistan's pioneering blueprint for digital development. This initiative marks Pakistan as the first nation to implement the Digital FDI Initiative, structured around four key pillars. The report identifies six strategic actions aimed at attracting long-term digital investment, thus solidifying Pakistan's status as a digital investment leader.

Prime Minister Sharif emphasized, ">Pakistan is proud to lead the way in digital transformation, and the success of DFDI is a testament to our commitment to fostering a thriving, investment-friendly digitally enabled economy." This sentiment echoes Pakistan's larger ambition of positioning itself as a leader in the digital economy, especially as it approaches its presidency of the DCO slated for 2026.

Investing in the Future

Since the inception of the Digital FDI Initiative, Pakistan has garnered over $700 million in inflows aimed at boosting its digital economy. This success story is attributed to a multistakeholder approach involving diverse partnerships from fellow DCO member states and global allies.

Deemah AlYahya, the DCO Secretary-General, expressed gratitude towards the Government of Pakistan, acknowledging their stellar contributions in enabling the forum's success. "This forum has demonstrated the transformative power of investment in bridging digital divides and accelerating sustainable growth," she noted. AlYahya further affirmed the DCO's commitment to nurturing a global investment landscape where nations can leverage digital innovation to foster inclusive development.

The DCO has positioned itself as a pioneering international organization dedicated exclusively to advancing a sustainable and inclusive digital economy. Since its establishment in November 2020, it has brought together governments, private sectors, and civil societies from member countries including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and others. This collective effort entails creating inclusive digital economies that empower all sections of society, particularly youth and women.

Moving Forward

As Pakistan augments its strategy to drive global digital conversations, collaborations, and innovations, it sets a precedent for countries navigating the digital transformation journey. By focusing on empowering entrepreneurs and enhancing cross-border data flows, the DCO stands poised to elevate the regional and global digital landscapes.

In conclusion, the successful execution of the inaugural Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum in Pakistan is not just a national achievement but a step forward in redefining global pathways for digital investment and sustainable growth. This event exemplifies Pakistan's potential and leadership in driving a digital economy that promises broader prosperity for all involved.

For more detailed insights about the DCO and their initiatives, visit DCO's website.