Pakistan and Romania Plan Stronger Tech Collaboration

Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi, met Romanian Ambassador Dan Stoenescu in Islamabad to explore deeper cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and education. The ambassador praised Pakistan’s advancements in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and regional technology inclusion, and reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to stronger bilateral ties.

Romania offered Pakistan access to European Union–funded programmes such as Horizon Europe (€95.5 billion for research and innovation), Erasmus+ (academic exchanges), and the Digital Europe Programme. These initiatives would open opportunities for collaboration in AI, cybersecurity, renewable energy, space technology, agriculture, and green innovation.

Romania’s tech sector contributes over 6% to its GDP and employs more than 200,000 professionals. It has produced globally recognised companies like UiPath (robotic process automation), Bitdefender (cybersecurity), Elrond (blockchain), and FintechOS (fintech). Its cities, including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara, are known innovation hubs supported by universities and tech parks.

Both sides discussed joint ventures in software development for EU and Gulf markets, capacity building in cybersecurity, academic exchanges, and research in AI, IoT, and blockchain. The ambassador proposed an MoU between the two countries’ technology authorities and a Science and Technology Forum.

Read more: Pakistan, EU Kickstart Business Ties in Islamabad