ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Google on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate digital transformation, expand digital skills and boost IT exports and innovation.

The agreement was signed during a reception hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in honour of the Google team in Islamabad.

Under the MoU, Pakistan and Google will expand cooperation in digital skills, artificial intelligence, IT exports, digital payments, e-commerce and technology-based public services.

Google has set a target of providing 150,000 Google Career Certificates in Pakistan in 2026 to help young people acquire skills for the digital economy and global job market.

The two sides also agreed to provide Pakistani students with free one-year access to Google AI Plus, Gemini and other advanced AI tools.

Pakistan and Google will cooperate on establishing an AI Centre of Excellence in Islamabad to develop the skills of Pakistani youth and prepare human resources for international markets.

A task force comprising government, Google and other stakeholders will prepare a roadmap to increase IT exports, identify barriers to growth and expand Pakistan’s presence in global technology markets.

The partnership will also help Pakistani small and medium-sized businesses access international markets through digital platforms, supporting the government’s goal of taking the country’s IT exports and digital economy to $30 billion by 2030.

Pakistan and Google will explore the use of AI in government services, FBR data analytics, agriculture, crop monitoring and forecasting, as well as sustainable farming.

The cooperation will also focus on strengthening digital payments, e-commerce, startups, mobile applications and Pakistan’s gaming industry.

The government said the partnership would create new opportunities for young Pakistanis, strengthen the technology ecosystem and help local talent and digital businesses compete in international markets.