Pakistan's First Ever Pavilion Opens At Game Developers Conference

US Consul General in Lahore opened first-ever “Pakistan Pavilion,” a trade booth where more than 35 Pakistani game developers are showcasing their products to US and foreign vendors.

Pakistan's First Ever Pavilion Opens At Game Developers Conference
The US Consul General in Lahore, William K. Makaneole, officially opened the first-ever “Pakistan Pavilion,” a trade booth where more than 35 Pakistani game developers are showcasing their products to US and foreign vendors and investors, at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) held in San Francisco, California.

The Pavilion, which was officially opened at the Game Developers Conference, was jointly established by a USAID Investment Promotion Activity (IPA) and the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), will foster collaborations that expand Pakistan’s gaming industry, boost US investment in Pakistan, and solidify the January-signed California-Punjab Sister Province/State initiative.

The Green Gaming Challenge Awards were also formally introduced by Consul General Makaneole. These awards will provide up to $100,000 in funding to Pakistani game development companies so they can create games that raise awareness of climate change and shed light on strategies for reducing its effects.

Pakistan’s IT gaming industry is expanding quickly, and this investment, made through a USAID IPA, will boost IT exports from Pakistan and foster investment opportunities in Pakistani mobile gaming companies for foreign investors.

General Consul Makaneole said: “A fantastic way to address this global issue is by using video games to educate the public about climate change. Our goal is to promote the creation of games that promote climate change awareness and highlight actions people can take to address this global issue. We are proud of the framework of the US-Pakistan Green Alliance, a collaboration that addresses the climate crisis and expands access to renewable energy.”

California State Representative Chris Holden addressed the audience via video message and said, “I am thrilled that the Green Gaming Challenge Awards provide a chance to put the values of the California-Punjab Sister State Agreement into practise. We have the chance to improve trade and investment in the technology sector while also furthering the depth of our cooperation.”

The USAID IPA is improving the ecosystem of foreign direct investment (FDI), enhancing Pakistan’s business-enabling environment, enhancing Pakistani institutions dedicated to investment promotion, and boosting bilateral trade and investment between the United States and Pakistan. By facilitating Pakistani-led changes to governmental regulations and enhancing the overall investment climate, the project also seeks to remove obstacles to trade and investment.