Hajra Naz
The predicted economic benefits of Google’s AI-powered goods and solutions for Pakistani consumers and enterprises in 2023 were Rs. 3.9 trillion. This marks a remarkable 222% increase from 2020, driven by helping Pakistani businesses embrace digital solutions and access international markets, as outlined in the report titled ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT: Agay Barho – Empowering Pakistan’s Digital Economy.
The Impact on Businesses: Digitization and Global Reach
In 2020, Google products contributed;
- Rs. 1 trillion in economic benefits to Pakistani businesses
- Rs. 210.2 billion to households
By 2023,
- Google Search
- Google Ads
- Google AdSense
- Google Play
- Google Cloud
YouTube collectively boosted economic activity for Pakistani businesses by Rs. 2.6 trillion—a 159% increase since 2020.
Notably, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) benefited 58% of this value, demonstrating Google’s strong support for Pakistan’s SMB ecosystem.
Small and Medium Businesses as Key Beneficiaries
SMBs have been the largest beneficiaries, generating Rs. 1.5 trillion—or 58%—of the Rs. 2.6 trillion contributed to all businesses in 2023. Google’s advertising and app publishing solutions have also strengthened Pakistan’s digital exports, with an estimated Rs. 249 billion in export benefits enabled by AI-powered Google products.
Supporting Households and Enriching Daily Life
Google’s AI-powered tools also benefited households, providing Rs. 1.3 trillion in 2023—a 526% increase from 2020. From entertainment on YouTube to easy access to information on Search and Gemini, these tools have significantly enhanced everyday life for Pakistanis. Google Ads and Google AdSense have bolstered exports for many businesses, elevating Pakistan’s presence in global markets.
Expanding Creative and Economic Opportunities through YouTube
YouTube has connected Pakistani content creators with a global audience. Almost 55% of viewers come from outside Pakistan. This international reach has allowed creators to monetize their content and create new economic opportunities within the digital ecosystem.
Productivity Gains Through Google Workspace
Google Workspace has boosted productivity across Pakistan’s workforce, saving workers an estimated 40 days of work annually through features like shared document access, cloud storage, and reduced meeting times. The introduction of Google’s AI model Gemini (formerly Bard) has further enhanced productivity, enabling users to brainstorm, spark creativity, and streamline tasks.
Unlocking Global Potential through Google Play
For local app developers, Google Play has opened doors to a global audience, with international customers driving much of their revenue. This has fueled new revenue streams and expanded the reach of Pakistan’s digital economy.
Accelerating Economic Growth Through Digital Exports
Pakistan holds immense potential to drive economic growth and create quality jobs through digital exports. Pakistan can increase their international competitiveness by using digital skills and AI-powered tools.
Google’s Commitment to Pakistan’s Digital Transformation
The study highlights Google helped Pakistan’s development through free digital skills training and partnerships with public and private sectors. If Pakistan adopts digital technology it is in a strong position to become a major force in the digital economy.
