CERP partnered with Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad (PIDE) for a session on the ‘The Future of Digital Economy in Pakistan’ at #EconFest 2023. The session focused on bringing together diverse perspectives to help unpack the Digital Economy and what it means for Pakistan

President and CEO, CERP, Maroof A. Syed moderated the session with Khurram Zafar, Founding Partner, 47 Ventures, Sadaffe Abid, Founder & CEO, Circle Women, Hashim Raza, Former CEO, SMEDA and Monis Rahman, Co-founder & CEO, Dukan as panellists. The discussion covered a range of topics from specific opportunities and key frictions to growth, to the impact of digital literacy and women labor force participation on more equitable growth, and the potential of digitalising SMEs for efficiency gains and financial inclusion. The panel also addressed policy environments that are conducive for growth and the structural reforms needed to provide real growth opportunities for SMEs in Pakistan.