Pakistan’s Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi have forged a partnership to empower Pakistan’s technology sector.
Formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), the collaboration seeks to leverage IBA’s expertise in high-level management education and training to empower and accelerate the growth of Pakistan‘s technological landscape in the country of 240 million with a burgeoning startup ecosystem.
The signing ceremony was attended by prominent IBA delegates, including IBA Executive Director Dr. Akbar Zaidi and Dean of the School of Business Studies Dr. Abdullah Zafar Sheikh, and Director of IBA’s Center for Executive Education (IBA CEE) Kamran Bilgrami along with STZA officials including Azfar Manzoor, Chairman of STZA, Javaid Iqbal, CCO and member of STZA and Aamer Saleemi, executive director and member zones development of STZA.
“The IBA-CEE will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality training and education to entrepreneurs, business leaders, and technology organizations across Pakistan,” Azfar Manzoor said. He expressed hope that the center “will assist these organizations in formulating intelligent business strategies to enhance their efficiency and competitiveness in the global market.”
This partnership will drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and create a robust #knowledge ecosystem in the country.#STZA #IBAKarachi #TechnologySector #Collaboration #Innovation #PakistanTech pic.twitter.com/lUcd3AK2EG
— Special Technology Zones Authority – Pakistan (@STZAOfficial) May 19, 2023
The partnership highlights a shared vision to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and position Pakistan as a global frontrunner in the technology sector. Dr. Zaidi reaffirmed IBA’s unwavering support and commitment to establishing a globally competitive knowledge ecosystem within Pakistan.
IBA Karachi has recently unveiled a new office in Islamabad, widening its reach across the country. IBA CEE became operational at NIBAF in H-8 Islamabad, signifying the institution’s dedication to equipping startups, businesses, and tech organizations with the essential skills.
Javaid Iqbal, STZA’s chief commercial officer, emphasized that the partnership between STZA and IBA Karachi represents “a remarkable step forward in nurturing Pakistan’s technology sector.” He added that it demonstrates “a shared vision to empower entrepreneurs, equip business leaders with the necessary skills, and elevate the country’s technology organizations to new heights.”
The STZA is a federal organization committed to promoting an enabling environment for technology-driven businesses, fostering innovation, and attracting foreign investment.
The STZA-IBA strategic alliance aims to significantly contribute to the country’s progress by creating a robust knowledge ecosystem that equips entrepreneurs, technology leaders, founders, and startup teams with high-quality, industry-relevant executive education, training, and skills across all management tiers. IBA has been a trailblazer in professional development programs since the institute’s inception in 1955. With a network of local and global faculty members and collaborations, IBA CEE offers capacity-building programs in several cities in Pakistan.
