The National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), a leading defense technology company in Pakistan, is all set to establish a special technology zone in Haripur following the formalization of a $45 million (PKR 12.5 billion) zone development agreement with the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA).
The agreement signifies a key addition to Pakistan’s special technology zones, focusing specifically on high-tech defense production capabilities. Following the finalization of the deal, STZA has officially endorsed and licensed the NRTC facility to lead in developing a cutting-edge technology ecosystem.
The strategic support of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which recognizes STZA as a central pillar in its economic strategy, is considered significant for the project.
The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) have formally signed a PKR 12.5 Billion Zone Development Agreement marking a transformative addition to Pakistan's Special Technology Zones landscape with specific focus on… pic.twitter.com/E8iw7wT5fN
— Special Technology Zones Authority – Pakistan (@STZAOfficial) May 10, 2024
The latest initiative aligns with the government’s vision of positioning Pakistan as an export-led country globally, with plans to explore the export potential of the defense production sector.
Key highlights of Haripur tech zone
- The newly designated defense technology zone aims to boost the defense technology sector and bolster Pakistan’s capacity to manufacture and export high-tech products.
- This tech zone is a step toward fostering innovation and economic growth in Pakistan, a country of 241 million. The initiative will help position the country as a key player in the global technological arena.
- Located in Haripur, the new NRTC tech zone seeks to create more job opportunities and also bolster export growth by harnessing technological advancements.
- With a robust defense industry in Pakistan, tapping into the collaborative potential of technology and defense can open new avenues for exporting goods and accruing foreign exchange earnings, according to experts.
Why Haripur?
The new special defense technology zone is located in the Haripur district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Haripur, with a population of just over a million and a diverse economic landscape including thriving agriculture, horticulture, and industrial sectors, is increasingly focused on attracting investments in hi-tech industries. Haripur is also home to Pakistan Digital City, which is set to become functional in 2026 under an agreement signed between STZA and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB).
NRTC special technology zone
With an operational facility spanning 46.88 acres in Haripur, NRTC’s new defense technology zone is set to catalyze a substantial expansion of high-tech capabilities, bolstering both the technological landscape and economic vitality of the region.
NRTC hosts a purpose-built facility dedicated to the high-tech production of information and communication technologies (ICT), biomedical technologies, agritech, robotics, power, and artificial intelligence-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Additionally, NRTC manufactures high-end technology products for the defense sector.
NRTC leads Pakistan’s telecommunications and IT equipment industry, specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of commercial-level telecommunication equipment, electronic systems, and IT-based solutions.
Zone Development Agreement signing in Islamabad
The official signing ceremony, held at the STZA Headquarters in Islamabad on May 10, marked a pivotal moment as the leadership teams of STZA, SIFC, and NRTC joined forces to establish a foundational alliance poised to drive innovation and accelerate growth within Pakistan’s burgeoning technology industry.
National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) and The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) have formally signed a PKR 12.5 Billion Zone Development Agreement marking a transformative addition to Pakistan's Special Technology Zones landscape with specific focus on pic.twitter.com/Kslo4ZJdTr
— National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (@NRTCOfficial) May 11, 2024
Commenting on the collaboration, Azfar Manzoor, the chairman of STZA, affirmed their commitment to reshaping Pakistan’s high-tech production sector and enhancing technological capabilities to compete in regional and global markets. By collaborating with NRTC, “STZA intends to reshape and accelerate Pakistan’s high-tech production sector and improve technological capabilities to compete in regional and global markets,” he stated.
NRTC Managing Director Brig Muhammad Asim Ishaque expressed commitment to leveraging strategic collaboration to enhance local innovation and self-reliance across various sectors. “With NRTC’s expertise, these zones are poised to become vibrant hubs of innovation, propelling Pakistan towards a brighter technological future,” according to the official statement.
The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), led by Pakistan’s prime minister, regulates special technology zones across the country. The authority prioritizes emerging and disruptive technologies, laying the foundation for the transition to Industry 4.0 for swift and seamless integration of intelligent digital technologies into manufacturing and industrial processes in Pakistan.
STZA licenses tech companies under the Triple Helix Model of Innovation (a collaboration between university, government, and business), offering a comprehensive 10-year incentive package to drive investment and innovation. STZA simplifies regulatory processes with a one-window facility, fostering a competitive environment for global tech innovators.
