Despite human resource challenges and tax issues, IT sector has been flourishing in the country; at least in terms of new company registrations.
Data shows that 413 new IT companies registered with Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) during July-2015 to March-2016 as the IT Industry came third in registration of new companies during current financial year till March 2016.
On average, 45 new IT companies enrolled with the authority per month during July to March. Trends suggest that this number is going to grow only with time.
Other sectors that topped new companies registration are:
- Trading sector: 570 new registrations
- Service sector: 538 registrations
- IT Sector: 413 registrations
These IT companies are starting their businesses in different cities whereas some of them were already working but their registrations with SECP were made only after they realized that they are stable and progressing.
New IT companies, registered during the ongoing year, include local, foreign and mix of foreign investment with partnerships.
The registration of companies shows the business potential of IT sector in Pakistan as hundreds of new companies are setting up its operation in the country at a time when many prefer relocating their offices in tax free foreign markets like UAE .
It is high time that Government of Pakistan under Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT) devises a plan to facilitate this sector as much as possible since it can not only generate employment opportunities for educated youth but also boost the country’s exports.
The government should expedite development of special IT parks with basic necessities of uninterrupted electricity, broadband internet and basic customized infrastructure for foreign and local investors including start-ups and entrepreneurs.
The sector should also be exempted with 8 percent tax on service sector mainly to help mid-tier and small companies.
SECP registered a total of 4,355 companies during July-2015 to March 2016 from auto and allied, chemical, construction, services, engineering, healthcare, trading, information technology, power generation, lodging, steel and allied, textile, and miscellaneous sector.
Company registrations showed a growth of 21% in nine months of current financial year as compared with previous year, indicating improving investor confidence for setting up business in Pakistan.
SECP said that 261 new companies received foreign investments from China, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Turkey, Czech Republic, Syria, South Africa, Germany, Afghanistan, Singapore, Denmark and other countries.
