KUALA LUMPUR: A delegation from Amazon Web Services (AWS) met Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen Pakistan’s startup ecosystem and expand digital investment.Â
The delegation also signaled a potential visit by AWS leadership to Pakistan to deepen cooperation and support technology-driven entrepreneurship.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Pakistan-Malaysia Business and Investment Conference during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Malaysia from October 5-7. The Commerce Minister also received representatives from leading Malaysian companies exploring collaborations in technology, agriculture, and investment sectors.
The Malaysian Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) expressed interest in partnerships with Pakistan in semiconductor software design. Jam Kamal Khan invited MSIA leaders to visit Pakistan to advance these initiatives.
In agriculture, representatives from Malaysian firm GWG proposed joint efforts in seed technology and research to improve crop yields. The minister welcomed the proposals and assured full support.
The minister also held talks with Mr. Tommy Yeah, Head of Regional Operations at Ant Group, an Alibaba affiliate with investments in Pakistan’s fintech sector through Easypaisa. Mr. Yeah confirmed the group’s commitment to exploring further fintech investments in Pakistan.
Further strengthening digital ties, Jam Kamal Khan met Malaysian Minister for Digital YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo. Discussions focused on expanding e-commerce, cross-border digital services, cybersecurity cooperation, and joint ventures in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G.
The ministers highlighted the MoU signed between Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT and ITeS (P@sha) and the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM), aimed at deepening digital collaboration.
The Commerce Minister and his Malaysian counterpart also inaugurated the TechConnect Conference, featuring presentations and discussions from MDEC, Cyberview, MSIA, PIKOM, AWS, and Oracle. Delegates explored innovative solutions and business opportunities in IT and digital sectors.
Officials said the engagements are expected to lead to new bilateral projects, capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge exchange programs benefiting both Pakistan and Malaysia.
