Innovation & Technology
- Unfortunately, 25% – 30% of total agri-produce of Pakistan is being wasted due to post harvest handling of the produce. Non-availability of appropriate transportation and cold store facilities adds to this problem and there is a dire need for quality cold store facilities in the country to preserve the quality of our agri-produce.
- All fruits and vegetables require specialized post-harvest treatment, appropriate temperature, and relative humidity for their storage.
- Because of technology advancements and logistic strategies, the cold storage of perishable items has become an important stage in the distribution between manufacturers / processors and retail locations.
- The cold storage will ensure the increased availability and improved quality of high value perishable fruits and vegetables for both export and local markets, which would otherwise perish or deteriorate.
Sources: Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Economic Survey of Pakistan, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, State Bank of Pakistan
With the expansion of the agricultural sector and the increasing demand for perishable goods, the need for cold storage facilities has become more apparent. Many new facilities have been constructed, and existing ones have been upgraded with the latest technology to improve their efficiency and storage capacity. The government of Pakistan has also taken steps to promote investment in this sector, offering incentives and tax exemptions to attract investors. As a result, the country now has a more robust cold chain infrastructure, which has helped reduce post-harvest losses and increase the shelf life of perishable goods. However, there is still a need for further investment to fully capitalize on the potential of this sector and meet the growing demand for cold storage facilities in Pakistan.
Investment
Stories
Hamza Brothers Impex (Pvt.) Limited has establish Controlled Atmospheric Cold Storage facility at Superhighway, Karachi with a capacity of 1,100 tons per month. The main purpose of the project is to build an automated storage and ...
Pakistan achieved IT exports totaling $298 million, reflecting a 33% increase from the corresponding period in the previous year.
- The primary factor influencing the ascendance and decline of civilizations is innovation. Currently, we are experiencing the fourth industrial revolution, characterized by an unprecedented emphasis on creativity and innovative practices. Start ups play a crucial role as foundational elements of the knowledge-based economy. In response to market inefficiencies, governments are implementing incentives and establishing flexible regulatory frameworks that seek to harmonize the relationship between risk and innovation.
- The information technology sector in Pakistan has experienced significant growth over the last five years, with projections indicating it will reach a value of US $7 billion within the next four years. This positive trajectory, particularly in the realm of freelancing, can be attributed to the development of a skilled workforce that is accessible to both national and international markets at competitive rates. Additionally, public policy reforms have contributed to the digital transformation of various economic sectors, enhancing the overall condition of the industry. Nevertheless, the I.T. sector faces substantial and complex challenges, including inadequate enforcement of intellectual property rights, a lack of a robust e-commerce framework, and deficiencies in digital marketing, all of which require urgent attention.
- Recent statistics published by the State Bank of Pakistan highlight the sector’s robustness and expansion in the face of global economic difficulties.
- In June 2024, Pakistan achieved IT exports totaling $298 million, reflecting a 33% increase from the corresponding period in the previous year. Although there was a month-on-month decrease of 10%, the exports for June exceeded the twelve-month average of $262 million, indicating ongoing strength in the sector.
- Analysts have identified Systems Limited (SYS) as a leading entity in the IT sector, noting its attractive price-to-earnings ratios of 13x for 2024 and 10x for 2025, positioning it as a favored investment option in light of the sector’s optimistic forecast.
- Sindh stands out due to its possession of Karachi, a city renowned for its dynamic entrepreneurial landscape characterized by forward-thinking and innovative enterprises. The private sector in this region has shown a willingness to embrace technological advancements and innovative practices, which contribute to enhanced value creation and increased competitiveness in the market.
- Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET):
– Strong programs in Computer Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, and Telecommunication Engineering.
– Research focus on AI, Data Science, and Cyber Security. - NED University of Engineering and Technology:
– Well-established programs in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Software Engineering.
– Research emphasis on Data Science, AI, and Network Security. - University of Sindh:
– Offers programs in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Software Engineering.
– Research focus on AI, Data Mining, and Network Security. - Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology (QUEST):
– Programs in Computer Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, and Telecommunication Engineering.
– Research focus on AI, Data Science, and Cyber Security. - Indus University:
– Offers programs in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Software Engineering.
– Research emphasis on Data Science, AI, and Network Security. - Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology:
– Strong programs in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Software Engineering.
– Research focus on AI, Data Science, and Cyber Security. - Dawood University of Engineering and Technology:
– Programs in Computer Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, and Telecommunication Engineering.
– Research focus on AI, Data Science, and Cyber Security.
- Software Developers: Expertise in programming languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript.
- Data Scientists: Skilled in data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI.
- Cyber Security Experts: Proficient in security frameworks, threat analysis, and penetration testing.
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineers: Experienced in AI/ML frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.
- Cloud Computing Professionals: Skilled in AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and cloud migration.
- Network Architects: Expertise in network design, implementation, and management.
- Database Administrators: Proficient in database management systems like MySQL and Oracle.
- IT Project Managers: Skilled in Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall project management methodologies.
- Quality Assurance Engineers: Experienced in testing frameworks and automation tools like Selenium.
- DevOps Engineers: Skilled in containerization using Docker, Kubernetes, and continuous integration tools.
- Sindh IT Policy: Encourages investment in IT education and infrastructure.
- Tech Incubators: Supports start-ups and entrepreneurship in Sindh.
- Training Programs: Offers courses and certifications in emerging technologies.
- Industry-Academia Linkages: Fosters collaboration between industry and academia.
- Scholarships and Grants: Provides financial support for students and professionals.
Success
Stories
Famewheels has introduced the only online car bidding portal in Pakistan. Fame Wheels is a one-stop-shop for all automobile related needs. Since its inception, Fame Wheels has enabled Pakistan’s automobile consumers to find reliable and trustworthy cars to buy or sell.
Befiler is a joint initiative of a team of leading tax professionals and technology enthusiasts. The initiative aims to simplify tax return filing process for individuals; especially salaried class and promote the culture of documentation.