Pakistani custom software development companies made a significant impact at the 26th China International High-tech Fair (CHTF) held in Shenzhen from November 14 to 16. Among the prominent exhibitors was Koder Labs, a Karachi-based firm specializing in website design, mobile application development, e-commerce solutions, and business data analysis. Koder Labs marked its debut in the Chinese high-tech market, showcasing its expertise and exploring potential partnerships with Chinese enterprises.
Jawaid Gadiwala, Co-Founder and CTO of Koder Labs, explained the company’s strategic decision to participate in the fair. “We have been active in the western and Middle Eastern markets, but we haven’t ventured into the thriving eastern markets like China and other East Asian countries,” he said. “We had fruitful discussions with potential clients and hope to forge partnerships with local Chinese manufacturers to provide software solutions that complement their hardware offerings.” Koder Labs was one of three Pakistani exhibitors organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Pakistan Software Export Board.
The 26th CHTF attracted over 5,000 renowned enterprises and international organizations from more than 100 countries, showcasing cutting-edge technologies across various sectors. The fair spanned over 300,000 square meters and included 22 specialized exhibition areas, covering national heavy equipment, AI and robotics, and innovative industries. More than 4,300 new technologies, products, and achievements were released during the event.
Another Pakistani exhibitor, 10x Engineers Technologies from Lahore, also made an impactful debut at the fair. Specializing in chip design, 10x Engineers showcased its open-source image processor, “Infinite ISP,” designed to speed up product development and reduce costs for chip design companies. Bilal Zafar, Co-founder and CEO of 10x Engineers, viewed the fair as an invaluable learning experience. “It’s a learning experience first and foremost—about the technology landscape in China, the people, and the business culture here,” Zafar said. He also noted China’s rapidly developing semiconductor industry and its impressive achievements in Shenzhen-based companies. Zafar highlighted the strong pool of highly skilled engineers in Pakistan, which is ideal for ISP design, hardware design, and verification roles.
Pakistan’s IT sector continues to grow rapidly, driven by digitalization, a young and tech-savvy population, and the sector’s focus on technology as a key economic driver. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, IT exports reached $3.2 billion in FY2024, marking a 24% increase from the previous fiscal year.
Muhammad Imran, Trade and Investment Counselor at the Commercial Section of the Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou, expressed optimism about the opportunities for Pakistani exhibitors at the CHTF. “Through B2B engagements, the exhibitors will gain new leads in the Chinese high-tech market, expanding and diversifying their exports,” he said.
Industry experts and analysts are optimistic about Pakistan’s IT sector, forecasting a continued growth of 10-15% in FY25, with anticipated exports ranging between $3.5 billion to $3.7 billion. A survey by the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA) revealed that 62% of IT companies maintain Special Foreign Currency Accounts, underlining the sector’s reliance on foreign exchange earnings for sustained growth.
