LAHORE: The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has highlighted the transformative potential of Pakistan-China cooperation under CPEC 2.0, alongside the government’s proposed $1 billion artificial intelligence (AI) fund, in accelerating the country’s transition towards a more robust digital economy and future-ready growth.
PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain said on Monday that the AI fund represents a timely and strategic initiative that could strengthen governance frameworks, promote innovation, and unlock opportunities for Pakistan’s youth, who make up around 63 per cent of the population. He emphasised that integrating advanced technologies into national development planning is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
He said training one million non-IT professionals in AI-related skills would enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and enable traditional sectors to adapt to evolving technological demands, helping to bridge the digital divide and broaden participation in the digital economy.
Hussain added that initiatives under CPEC 2.0 are aligned with Pakistan’s ‘Uraan Pakistan’ programme, which focuses on boosting exports, ensuring affordable energy, improving efficiency, and promoting environmental sustainability. He said the synergy between these frameworks could strengthen the country’s economic resilience and global competitiveness.
Senior Vice President Mansoor Saeed Sheikh said the programme aims to establish a comprehensive nationwide technological ecosystem. He noted that the introduction of AI education in federally administered schools, along with plans for 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships by 2030, would help build a strong knowledge base and support research-driven development.
