What This Article Is About & Why It Matters
This article highlights a strategic dialogue held on May 2, 2025, between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya during the Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum in Islamabad. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global digital diplomacy and collaboration, aligning directly with Vision 2030’s digital economy ambitions and soft power initiatives.

Saudi Arabia Supports Digital Growth Talks

Islamabad, May 2, 2025 – In a pivotal moment for regional digital diplomacy, Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed his government’s dedication to digital transformation and emphasized Pakistan’s rising capacity for hosting digital enterprises and attracting foreign investment. He also spotlighted national efforts to upskill youth for the demands of today’s digital economy.

Secretary-General AlYahya expressed deep appreciation to the Pakistani government for hosting the forum, which underscores the DCO’s mission to bridge digital divides and promote cross-border collaboration among member states.

The Digital Cooperation Organization, headquartered in Riyadh and led by Saudi Arabia, represents a visionary coalition that empowers nations to thrive in the evolving digital economy. This high-level engagement marks another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of innovation-led development and inclusive digital growth worldwide.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global digital cooperation

Promotes inclusive digital infrastructure and upskilling across partner countries

Supports digital FDI and economic diversification

Advances Kingdom’s role in tech diplomacy and knowledge exchange

Historical Context
Saudi Arabia’s leadership in regional cooperation extends beyond trade and diplomacy—now encompassing digital growth. The Kingdom founded the DCO in 2020 to enhance digital collaboration across emerging markets.

International Benchmarks

DCO is the first global organization focused on digital cooperation

Saudi Arabia ranks among top G20 digital transformation leaders

The Kingdom’s investments in AI, cloud, and connectivity drive innovation

Vision 2030 Metrics

90% broadband coverage goal in urban areas

DCO expansion to 13 member countries since 2020

100,000+ tech jobs created in the Kingdom since Vision 2030 launch

Doubling digital sector’s GDP contribution by 2030

Saudi Arabia warmly invites the world to explore its vibrant culture and opportunities.
Through strategic partnerships like the DCO, the Kingdom is powering the future—built on shared progress, global collaboration, and a digital-first mindset.

3 Helpful Government Links

www.dco.org – Digital Cooperation Organization: Vision, member nations, and initiatives

www.vision2030.gov.sa – Saudi Vision 2030: Economic transformation and digital strategy

www.mcit.gov.sa – Ministry of Communications and Information Technology: Digital policy and partnerships

Factbox Summary (50 words)

May 2, 2025: Pakistan PM meets DCO chief

Held during Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum

Focused on youth skills, tech investment, digital partnerships

DCO praised Pakistan’s digital readiness

Strengthens Saudi-led Vision 2030 agenda on global digital diplomacy

15 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DCO?
The Digital Cooperation Organization is a Saudi-led global body that promotes inclusive digital economy cooperation among member states.

Who attended this meeting?
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya met in Islamabad on May 2, 2025.

Why is the meeting significant?
It advances digital cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, focusing on investment, youth skills, and economic transformation.

What is the Digital FDI Forum?
A global platform aimed at promoting digital foreign direct investment and policy collaboration in tech ecosystems.

What role does Saudi Arabia play in the DCO?
Saudi Arabia is a founding member and host of the DCO’s headquarters, actively shaping global digital cooperation policy.

What was discussed in the meeting?
Digital market opportunities, tech sector investment, and youth capacity building in the digital economy.

How does this relate to Vision 2030?
Vision 2030 emphasizes digital transformation, economic diversification, and global partnerships to build a thriving tech sector.

What benefits does this bring to Pakistan?
Access to expertise, investment, and training programs that can accelerate its digital development and job creation.

Is this a one-time meeting?
No, it forms part of ongoing strategic cooperation between Saudi Arabia, the DCO, and member countries like Pakistan.

How are youth being supported?
Both nations aim to empower youth through professional development, digital training, and startup ecosystem support.

Does the DCO operate outside the Middle East?
Yes, the DCO includes members from Africa, South Asia, and other regions, promoting global digital inclusion.

What sectors are targeted for investment?
Cloud services, fintech, e-commerce, AI, and cybersecurity are among key digital economy areas for FDI.

How does the DCO support its members?
Through policy alignment, skill development, infrastructure partnerships, and innovation exchange programs.

What is Saudi Arabia’s broader digital strategy?
It focuses on smart cities, AI leadership, data governance, and a knowledge-based economy aligned with Vision 2030.

What message does this send to the world?
That Saudi Arabia is committed to inclusive, peaceful, and tech-driven cooperation that empowers nations globally.

Discover
Explore the future of digital cooperation led by vision and unity. Saudi Arabia is not just building a digital economy—it’s connecting nations and transforming possibilities through global partnerships like the DCO.

With sincere gratitude,
Harry Stuckler
Editor & Publisher, KSA.com

“Bringing Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia.”
KSA.com – The leading platform for the Kingdom by 2030.