ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Monday formally inaugurated The Innovation Hive at the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), marking what officials described as a new milestone in Pakistan-US cooperation in IT and startups.<\/p>\n
The minister cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, which was attended by US Embassy Charge d\u2019Affaires Natalie Baker, CEO Steward Pakistan Dr Mazhar H. Qureshi, USEFP Director Alumni Affairs Mazhar Awan and other dignitaries.<\/p>\n
Addressing the ceremony, Shaza Fatima thanked the US Embassy and USEFP, saying The Innovation Hive was not merely a building or an office but a strong bridge that would give Pakistani entrepreneurs direct access to the US market and investors without leaving the country. She said the initiative would also create wider opportunities for young people to move forward.<\/p>\n
Highlighting the historic ties and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States, the minister said the US remained Pakistan\u2019s largest export market, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the country\u2019s total exports in fiscal year 2025-26.<\/p>\n
She said bilateral trade crossed $8 billion in 2025. Under the Pakistan-US trade agreement of July 2025, US import duties were reduced on IT services, textiles and other sectors, while Pakistan, as a goodwill gesture, abolished the 5pc digital services tax.<\/p>\n
The minister said the total enterprise value of Pakistan\u2019s VC-funded startups had crossed $4 billion. She added that startups raised $74.2 million in funding in 2025, while funding for startups founded or co-founded by women increased from $5.5 million in 2024 to $10.1 million in 2025.<\/p>\n
According to the minister, The Innovation Hive will serve as a permanent platform to connect Pakistani talent directly with the US market, mentorship opportunities and alumni networks.<\/p>\n
Referring to key institutions and initiatives of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima said Ignite had supported more than 2,350 startups through nine National Incubation Centres and helped create over 185,000 jobs.<\/p>\n
She said the Pakistan Startup Fund was restoring the confidence of US investors by offering funding of up to 30pc without any government equity. She added that the Special Technology Zones Authority was providing 10-year tax and customs incentives to technology and artificial intelligence companies.<\/p>\n
Concluding her address, the federal minister told entrepreneurs: \u201cThe US market you want to reach is no longer across the ocean; its address is now in Islamabad. This bridge reflects the shared commitment of both countries.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the end of the ceremony, the minister also visited different sections of USEFP, where she was briefed on the initiative.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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