PSEB is a guarantee limited company with a Board of Directors comprising representatives of the Government, industry associations and the private sector. PSEB is Government-owned, and is mandated to promote Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) industry.

In order to achieve this objective, PSEB undertakes a number of programs:

* About 700,000 square feet of IT-enabled space has been leased out to IT companies in PSEB-designated IT Parks, and there are plans to construct several new Parks over the next couple of years.
* PSEB also operates one of the most successful quality certification programs in the world, under which 110 IT companies have received International Standards Organization (ISO) certification.
* There are a number of human resource development initiatives, including an internship program which has received national recognition for placing 2500 interns within the IT industry – 80% of whom have been permanently employed.
* PSEB works extensively with the international and domestic media in order to promote Pakistan’s IT industry, and also subsidizes participation in international trade shows and delegations. Under a new targeted marketing program, Pakistan’s key strengths in animation, call centers, finance, gaming, medical transcription, and other areas will be offered to promising markets.
* PSEB also plans to launch a Venture Capital (VC) Fund that will be part of an ecosystem for IT financing. The organization also advocates industry perspectives with a number of Government agencies related to data protection, intellectual property protection, tariffs, taxation, and other areas.
* Facilitation activities offered to IT companies include assistance in visa processing, call center certification, software import, and access to a number of PSEB-commissioned, as well as international studies and reports.

All PSEB activities are part of an integrated strategy and action plan whose mission is to achieve fast track growth of the Pakistani IT industry from 2 billion dollars in 2006 to 10 billion dollars by 2010 – including global export receipts, domestic IT services, software and hardware.

HISTORY

In 1995, it was felt by the Government of Pakistan that to guide and nourish the development of the software industry in the country, and to provide one-stop facilitation on behalf of all ministries, departments and agencies of Government of Pakistan in matters relating to the setting up of the software development and export business in the private sector, an organization needed to be created as no such existing Government of Pakistan Department was providing the said services. It is important to note that, at that period, significant strides were being made by India in this direction.

In line with this realization, Private Software Export Board (PSEB) was established by means of an executive order vide Cabinet Division’s notification dated 12th June 1995. The said notification outlined the composition and functions of the Board. The Board of Directors comprises of seven members, all nominees of the Federal Government. One nominee is traditionally from the private sector. The primary and most significant task entrusted with the board was the formation of a national software policy to facilitate the rapid development of the Pakistan software industry.

The word ‘Private’ in the name of the organization was substituted by the word ‘Pakistan’ by the Ministry of Communication, Government of Pakistan in September 1997. Hence the name became “PAKISTAN SOFTWARE EXPORT BOARD (PSEB)”.

Since PSEB was operating on a small scale and its main activities were limited to company registrations and renewals, limited interaction with the local software industry, and occasionally participation in seminars and international exhibitions, it was realized that opportunities in the IT sector could be better tapped if PSEB were to become a more independent organization. PSEB was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Ordinance - 1984, in June 1998.

Major Functions

* Undertake research and study on the state of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and propose strategies for fast track and sustainable development of the Pakistan IT industry including software and services, IT enabled services, and hardware in both export and domestic markets.
* Study the laws and regulations of various competitor countries and propose improvements and modifications in Pakistan public policy impacting the IT industry in the light of Pakistan’s requirements.
* Register IT companies in Pakistan and propose and provide fiscal, regulatory and corporate incentives and facilitation to them. Act as a one-stop shop to cater to all the needs of an IT company for setting up or facilitating its IT business ventures in Pakistan. Act as a bridge between the private IT companies and the various government bodies.
* Work with telecom regulators and operators to reduce broadband bandwidth tariffs and rates and improve quality in order to maintain international competitiveness.
* Plan, develop and establish “Software Technology Parks” and IT Parks in Pakistan
* Determine human capital requirements of the IT industry and work to address these needs in collaboration with other entities.
* Develop and execute a marketing plan to help local software companies reach out to potential clients abroad, attract and facilitate foreign software firms to establish their software development facilities in Pakistan. Arrange the participation of Pakistani IT Industry in domestic and international IT events. Provide protocol, hosting and match-making facilities for foreign delegates and investors. Establish a web portal for customers, investors and companies and prepare and disseminate marketing collateral.
* Develop company capability by assisting them in acquiring quality, security and other certifications.
* Facilitate company growth by enabling access to equity and debt financing and by fostering an entrepreneurial culture.
* Undertake targeted development of sectors like ERP for Small and Medium Industry and Open Source Technologies to boost these sectors and create a snow ball affect.