Pakistan, China ink landmark IT MoUs as Huawei leads digital transformation push

Islamabad: Pakistan and China have taken a decisive step forward in advancing their digital partnership by signing nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the second Pakistan-China Nusiness-to-Business (B2B) Conference held in China.

At the heart of these agreements were three high-impact partnerships between Huawei Technologies and key Pakistani institutions, underscoring Huawei’s pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s digital future.

According to a Huawei Technologies statement issued here on Sunday afternoon, these MoUs aim to accelerate Pakistan’s transition into a digitally empowered economy while reinforcing China’s status as Pakistan’s foremost partner in technology-driven development.

The first agreement was signed between Huawei Technologies and the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) to expand fiberization and modernize Pakistan’s secure government connectivity infrastructure. The project is expected to provide high-speed, resilient, and secure communications across public sector institutions.

The initiative, to be implemented across 15 universities in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), will also strengthen academic networks and research collaboration, cementing Huawei’s role in modernizing the country’s digital ecosystem.

Another landmark MoU was signed between Huawei Technologies and the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to launch a specialized skills program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

The initiative will provide 1,500 young Pakistanis with internationally recognized certifications in Cloud Computing, AI, and 5G, directly contributing to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of “Skills for Productive Employment.” This collaboration positions Huawei as a central partner in nurturing Pakistan’s next generation of digital talent.

In a move to strengthen digital sovereignty, Huawei also inked an agreement with Sky4.7, Pakistan’s first purpose-built, AI-ready sovereign cloud data centre. This partnership will enable secure cloud services, support scalable AI deployments, and ensure compliance with Pakistan’s Cloud First Policy. By anchoring the country’s digital infrastructure within national boundaries, Huawei and Sky4.7 are reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to data residency, cybersecurity, and sustainable digital growth.

Beyond Huawei’s agreements, additional MoUs were signed with major Chinese enterprises including Alibaba International Digital Commerce, China Submarine Cable Construction Company Limited (CSCC), and GuoDong Group. On the institutional side, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) partnered with Shanghai Lingang International Data Industry Institute (SHLID), opening new avenues for software exports, digital trade, and joint research.

The signing of these MoUs reflects not only the depth of Pakistan-China strategic cooperation but also Huawei’s expanding footprint as a key architect of Pakistan’s digital transformation. These initiatives promise to unlock innovation, attract investments, and build human capital, laying the foundation for a digitally inclusive and sovereign Pakistan.