In a major boost to Pakistan’s tech manufacturing sector, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the establishment of a Google Chromebook manufacturing factory in the province.
The development marks a significant milestone in localizing educational technology production and follows the recent entry of Acer into Pakistan’s hardware manufacturing market.
Google delegation meets CM Punjab
The decision came during a high-level meeting between Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and a delegation from Google for Education and Tech Valley, led by Kevin Kalis, Global Director of Google for Education, and Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley.
During the session, the delegation briefed the Chief Minister on Google’s ongoing education-focused digital initiatives and outlined plans to introduce three key software solutions integrated into future Chromebooks manufactured in Pakistan.
These include:
- AI Toolkit, designed to enhance digital learning experiences.
- AI Gemini, an artificial intelligence assistant to boost creativity and productivity in classrooms.
- Read Along, a program focused on improving English language proficiency for students.
AI and creativity tools for students
The delegation also discussed integrating Canva, a global design platform, into Punjab’s digital education framework to foster creativity and design thinking among students.
Google’s representatives emphasized that the local Chromebook manufacturing initiative aligns with Pakistan’s vision of becoming a regional technology hub and will create new employment opportunities in the province’s growing IT sector.
Digital literacy training expanding across Punjab
Highlighting Google’s existing education initiatives, the delegation shared that over 2,000 public-school teachers in Punjab have already completed training under the Google for Education Digital Literacy Program, with plans to expand the program across all districts.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised the collaboration and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to integrating advanced technology in education, stating that local manufacturing of Chromebooks would not only reduce costs but also accelerate digital transformation in schools.
The introduction of a Google Chromebook manufacturing facility represents a major step in public-private collaboration for education and technology development in Pakistan — and a sign that international tech giants are increasingly viewing the country as a viable investment destination.
