KARACHI- Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has announced an IT Tower for Karachi, in a groundbreaking ceremony held at the Karachi Expo Center on 31st May. Secretary of Commerce, Mohammad Younus Dagha laid the foundation stone for the TDAP IT Tower. As high as 21 floors, the IT Tower will be located centrally in the city at the Karachi Expo Center and is a key feature of the current expansion plan of Karachi Expo Center, for which the development work has been initiated.
Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) has allocated funds worth PKR 8 billion for the project designed by National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK). The critical project will span four years, resulting in a complete revamp of Karachi Expo Center. Under the new expansion plan, the current six halls of the center will be demolished to be replaced by nine state-of-the-art halls and a convention center. A parking plaza will also be developed, providing space to approximately 5000 vehicles. Upon completion of the project, TDAP offices will also be moved to the center.
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*TechJuice *reached out to Director Expo Center at TDAP Shafqatullah Siddiqui. Sharing the critical plans, he said,
*“We have been working on this project for a long time. Karachi is the not only the hub of business but it is an international city. In recent times, we are experiencing investment coming in and CPEC projects are also being kicked off. Therefore, it had become a dire need for Karachi to have a mega-tower for major business activities.”*
Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and TDAP have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to include local IT industry as a part of the planning process of the IT Tower. Speaking to *TechJuice*, Secretary General P@SHA Shehryar Hydri link> explained the need for the collaboration,
*“The IT Tower is being built to house technology companies. Therefore, it was essential that the industry becomes a part of the project as a key stakeholder. With this collaboration, P@SHA will be a part of the steering committee to help TDAP figure out the needs of local IT industry and design the space accordingly.”*
Sharing his views on the further expansion plans of the Karachi Expo Center, he added,
*“It will be a critical infrastructure project in Karachi, especially in terms of its location. The upgrade of the entire exhibit center will provide a modern space for local technology companies to conduct quality events and conferences.”*
The TDAP IT Tower will not only provide space to technology companies but also open avenues for collaboration and business partnerships. With its ideal location and infrastructure, the Tower can prove to be a monumental project for the technology ecosystem of Karachi.