AI, other techs redefining economic competitiveness: Baker

Business Recorder reported that US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker said artificial intelligence, semiconductors and robotics are reshaping industries and redefining how economies compete. Speaking at a roundtable convened by the Business Recorder Forum in Lahore, she called AI the next major area of cooperation between Washington and Islamabad. She argued that nations leading AI adoption would gain substantial economic development benefits.

Baker stressed that the greatest advances would come from collaboration among government, private firms, academia and entrepreneurs instead of any single actor working alone. She said Washington wants to be a preferred partner for Pakistan in AI, with cooperation aimed at keeping citizens safe while the technology is used. She also pointed out that America is still Pakistan's biggest export destination and a leading investor for over two decades.

Ali Dar, adviser to the Punjab chief minister on AI, said the province aims to lead South Asia in AI adoption by 2029 through a roadmap expected to create over 100,000 jobs in three years. PSEB Chairman Faisal Jeddy said IT exports have grown around 21 percent a year for four years, while policy steps target banking and remittance bottlenecks. Bank of Punjab President Zafar Masud noted that the Kisan Card programme has digitally verified about one million farmers, and speakers from NetSol Technologies and Systems Limited stressed the need for a skilled workforce.