Islamabad: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has launched the "Pakistan One - National Business Plan Competition for Export Excellence" to promote creativity, courage, and intelligence in youth. Addressing the launching ceremony in Islamabad, he said Pakistan must move from a job-seeking economy to a job-creating economy.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister noted that IT and software services are growing at an annual rate of 15 to 20 percent, and these can exceed 20 billion dollars by 2030. Agri-tech and food processing can become a source of value-added exports, while renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing can secure Pakistan a place in environmentally conscious global markets.

He further stated that Pakistan's strategic location offers a unique opportunity to connect South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, creating unmatched prospects for regional trade. Ahsan Iqbal added that through e-Pakistan, new systems are being developed in FinTech, AgriTech, and GreenTech, and that investment in digital skills and innovation will make the youth population the engine of economic growth.

The Pakistan One initiative is envisioned as more than just a competition as it is a nationwide movement to empower youth and initiate innovation. Over the course of the URAAN five-year plan, the program is set to engage more than 10,000 aspiring entrepreneurs from every province and region, collecting and rigorously vetting over 1,000 business plans to identify the most promising ventures.

By aligning with URAAN's vision, Pakistan One seeks to ignite a new wave of job creators, innovators, and industry leaders who can drive sustainable economic growth and strengthen Pakistan's position on the global stage.