Pakistan Minister studies Ireland

Ireland’s success in developing a powerful information technology industry was the reason for the first visit by a Pakistan Minister to the State.

Prof Atta-Ur-Rahman, Minister for Science and Technology told ireland.comtoday Pakistan has launched a programme to develop its information technology, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemicals sectors.

Prof Rahman met with the Minister of State with responsibility for Science, Technology and Commerce, Mr Noel Treacy, to discuss investment opportunities in Pakistan for Irish hi-tech companies.

Pakistan has put in place incentives including 15-year tax breaks, low-cost band-width and can also offer a large educated population with low labour costs.

"Ireland has made tremendous advances in various fields and is moving up the value-added chain," said Prof Rahman. This created many opportunities for co-operation and outsourcing between the two countries, he added.

"If Irish companies need a certain number of graduates in a particular area we would be willing to train them and they can then work from Pakistan for those companies," Prof Rahman said.

Seven universities, including one "virtual university" for distance learning were in the process of receiving charters and this is a major step in upskilling the Pakistani workforce, Prof Rahman said.

Prof Rahman added that a large number of multinationals including Cisco, IBM, Oracle and Mobile Link have already set up in Pakistan.

During his three-day visit the minister will meet with State agencies, entrepreneurs and third-level colleges.