ISLAMABAD: Extolling the importance of silicon while addressing startups and export-oriented small businesses, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday he wanted Pakistan to become the next Silicon Valley.
Addressing the launch of the National Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) policy on Wednesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan vowed all government support to ensure that local businesses start exporting silicon to Silicon Valley.
Saying that fresh incentives would be extended to such businesses, the PM said: “We are giving SMEs bank credit facility and land for their businesses where they can grow their own silicon.”
PM Khan reminded aspiring businesspersons that no one knows silicon better than him.
“Pakistan has an abundance of resources, which had been wasted for decades before I came to power. We have such rich land, where we can grow silk to make silicon,” the PM said in his address.
“In our glory days, this part of the world was an integral part of the Silk Route. Now China is bringing us back into it through CPEC, and you youngsters now have the opportunity to cultivate silk and silicon on both the eastern and western routes of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,” he added.
The premier also urged the startups to learn from China and fast-track Pakistan’s bid to overtake the Silicon Valley.
“The government can facilitate young business leaders’ trips to China. There are currently many training camps, educating people in Xinjiang.”
