Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh Visits Googleplex, Engages with Pakistani Tech Professionals

Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Mr. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, visited Googleplex in Silicon Valley, where he held an informal exchange of views with Pakistani tech professionals working at Google. The Ambassador highlighted Pakistan’s rapidly growing IT market, its immense potential, and the country’s strategic objectives in Silicon Valley and the broader U.S. tech ecosystem.

During the meeting, he emphasized Pakistan’s rich pool of IT talent and discussed how they can be better equipped to thrive in an increasingly competitive international market. Ambassador Sheikh underscored the importance of the Pakistani-American tech community as a vital partner in advancing Pakistan’s presence in the global tech ecosystem.

The discussion also focused on strategies for enhancing Pakistan’s participation in Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem. Ambassador Sheikh elaborated on how the Embassy and Consulates can serve as platforms and conduits to foster collaboration between Pakistani and U.S. tech companies.

The Ambassador also briefed the attendees about the upcoming Pak-U.S. Tech Investment Conference, jointly organized by the Embassy and the Consulate General of Pakistan,  at Stanford University on November 10, 2024.

Earlier, Ambassador Sheikh and the Consul General of Pakistan in Los Angeles held a virtual meeting with Google’s Country Head for Pakistan. During the session, the Ambassador shared insights on the positive momentum within Pakistan’s IT industry, along with key government policies and initiatives aimed at integrating Pakistan into the global IT ecosystem, creating employment, and boosting IT exports.  Ambassador Sheikh assured Google of the Government of Pakistan’s full support, as well as the backing of its diplomatic missions in the U.S., to facilitate mutual collaboration. He also requested Google’s assistance in enhancing Pakistan’s branding in the U.S. tech market and emphasized the need to implement a roadmap for deepening bilateral cooperation.

Both sides reviewed Google’s ongoing initiatives in Pakistan, including talent development, hardware and software training, coding programs for students, vocational training, and expanding digital skills. They also discussed boosting Pakistan’s gaming and animation industries and supporting local AI product development.

Ambassador Sheikh reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Google to unlock the full potential of its IT sector and foster innovation-driven growth.