Plus W株式会社

Plus W Inc.（Shibuya, Tokyo, President: Wakako Sakurai）signed a Memorandum of Understanding（MOU） with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan（GB）, Pakistan, on Friday, May 5. This agreement aims to foster collaboration that will enable highly skilled IT professionals from GB to thrive in Japanese companies facing IT engineer shortages.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Mr. Hayashi, our Plus W Senior Manager of global business department, signing the MOU

Background and Purpose of the MOU

While Plus W operates globally, its overseas business is particularly focused on Pakistan, a country producing approximately 20,000 IT engineers annually. Pakistan’s large population, with a median age of 24.1 years, makes it an ideal partner to address Japan’s IT talent gap. This MOU marks the first step towards realizing the shared goal of facilitating talent exchange between the two countries.

The signing ceremony took place at the Gilgit-Baltistan House in Pakistan, attended by Governor Khalid Khurshid, officials from the Information Technology Department, Plus W’s executives, and overseas business members. This collaboration originated from an introduction by the Pakistan Board of Investment（BOI）in January, connecting Plus W with the GB government, which focuses on IT education.

The GB government welcomed this partnership as an opportunity to expand IT talent opportunities globally, particularly in Japan. Both parties discussed strategies to create employment pathways for GB IT professionals in Japan, culminating in this MOU as the first step towards tangible cooperation.

President of Plus W Inc., Wakako Sakurai, receiving a commemorative gift from Governor Khalid Khurshid of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The meeting with Governor Khalid Khurshid of Gilgit-Baltistan held after the signing ceremony.

Why Partner with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan?

Gilgit-Baltistan（GB）is in northern Pakistan and has recently gained attention for its rich tourism resources. However, compared to major cities, the region faces challenges such as a significant information gap and limited employment opportunities.

In recent years, GB has been actively implementing various IT initiatives to develop human resources. The region has partnered with the National University of Sciences and Technology（NUST）to launch youth development programs focusing on cutting-edge IT fields such as AI, data science, and blockchain. Additionally, Karakoram International University（KIU）and Baltistan University（BU〉offer specialized IT and computer science courses to cultivate high-level IT talent. Furthermore, GB has established two software technology parks that provide more than 20 IT companies with free internet access, basic office facilities, and co-working spaces to foster IT startup growth.

Currently, around 3,500 IT engineers are working in GB, and this number is expected to grow steadily, further solidifying the region’s role as a key hub for IT talent in Pakistan and internationally.

【Future Initiatives】
Following the MOU, Plus W will focus on four key areas:

• Matching GB IT Talent with Japanese Companies: Based on Japanese corporate needs, Plus W will connect GB IT professionals with employment and internship opportunities in Japan. In June, two Pakistani IT engineers are scheduled to relocate to Japan to work with an IT company in Nagasaki, showcasing growing success in this initiative.
• IT Workshops: In collaboration with KIU and BU, Plus W will offer courses on cutting-edge technologies like AI, data science, and IoT. Recognized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry（METI）through AOTS, Plus W has provided IT workshops to over 500 students annually. The program will feature expert instructors, including CEOs and leading IT engineers from Japanese companies, with a target start date in September.
• Japanese Language and Culture Programs: In partnership with Shikoku University, Plus W has developed a unique program for IT professionals. After a successful 12-week trial course launched in November, the curriculum has been refined to support language acquisition and communication tools essential for working in Japanese companies. This program will run alongside the IT workshops starting this fall.
• Promoting Japanese Culture: Plus W will host events to raise awareness about Japanese culture and business practices in Pakistan, aiming to generate greater interest in Japanese employment opportunities. The first event is scheduled for this summer, with plans for continuous engagement.

About the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan

The government of Gilgit-Baltistan

The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan is actively implementing policies to improve the livelihoods of its residents, drive economic growth, and enhance its tourism sector. In addition to managing public services and infrastructure development, the government is investing in IT infrastructure to foster digital innovation. The region has been officially designated as a Special Technology Zone（STZ）, enabling it to accelerate IT sector growth through various strategic initiatives.

One of the major projects undertaken by the GB government is the enhancement of digital literacy and IT skills among youth. The government has introduced digital training programs that have already benefited more than 120 students across the region. Additionally, it is offering financial support in the form of soft loans, with funding of up to 3 million Pakistani Rupees per company. In the first phase, 29 IT startups received financial assistance to boost their businesses.

The government is also making significant strides in e-governance by digitizing administrative processes and services. This initiative aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in government operations. As part of these efforts, new technology parks are being developed in districts such as Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza, and Diamer to provide a conducive environment for IT businesses and startups.

Comment from governor of Gilgit-Baltistan

The GB government is committed to investing in human capital and fostering world-class IT professionals. We look forward to collaborating with Plus W to expand opportunities for our IT talent, not only in Japan but on a global scale.

Khalid Khurshid, Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan

Khalid Khurshid is a lawyer and politician who has been serving as the Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan since November 25, 2020, and as a member of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.

Comment from Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister of Investment

We are pleased that this partnership will further accelerate the IT initiatives of the Gilgit-Baltistan government and expand educational and employment opportunities for GB’s talent.
This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for skilled local IT engineers and students to work for Japanese companies, contributing to the development of both countries.
We hope that Plus W will leverage its experience to strengthen its relationship with the Gilgit-Baltistan government and serve as a bridge between Pakistan and Japan.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister

Pakistani politician, and he has been the Federal Minister of Investment since April 2022, when Shahbaz Sharif became Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Kango Hayashi: senior manager of global business department, Plus W Inc. and the head of Pakistan Japan Centre for Mutual Cooperation（PJC）

After joining a major telecommunications company, he was responsible for corporate sales to global enterprises, supporting business efficiency improvement and DX promotion. Subsequently, he worked at several IT startups, handling new client acquisitions, operational support for existing clients, and contract negotiations.
In 2022, he joined Plus W and, following the signing of an MOA with Pakistan’s top university, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), established and managed the Japan Centre within the NUST campus in Islamabad as its director.
Currently, he is expanding alliances not only in Islamabad but also with universities and IT companies in major Pakistani cities such as Karachi and Lahore, striving to serve as a bridge for Japanese companies operating in Pakistan.

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