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Al Bawaba
26-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Job Fair Connects Orange Digital Center Graduates with Leading Tech Industry Employers
Orange Jordan organized a specialized job fair targeting programmers who graduated from the Orange Digital Center's coding education. The event was held under the supervision of the Digital Skills Association, the technical arm of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, through the Youth, Technology, and Jobs (Digiskills) and Proparco, the investment arm of the French Development Agency (AFD). Several companies and organizations participated in the fair, aiming to attract young technical fair aims to provide a practical platform for direct interaction between graduates seeking job opportunities in the tech sector and employers looking for promising and qualified talent, thereby facilitating the hiring process and enhancing the graduates' readiness for the job this occasion, Orange Jordan expressed its pride in organizing the event in partnership with DigiSkills and Proparco, emphasizing that the fair represents a significant milestone in supporting and empowering graduates professionally by connecting them directly with companies in a dynamic environment that enables immediate fair reflects Orange Jordan's deep commitment to supporting the information technology sector and empowering youth with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, stemming from its role as a leading and responsible digital provider. It also demonstrates the company's ongoing efforts to deliver innovative solutions that meet labor market demands and help bridge the skills gap. It is worth mentioning that the Orange Digital Center for coding education won first place in the second edition of King Abdullah II Award for Volunteering in the category of (profit institutions under corporate social responsibility). This recognition was granted for its efforts in teaching programming to students, highlighting its sustainable impact in empowering youth by providing free, world-class training in programming languages and the skills necessary to enter the job market. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Job Fair connects Orange Digital Center Graduates with leading tech industry employers
Orange Jordan organized a specialized job fair targeting programmers who graduated from the Orange Digital Center's coding education. The event was held under the supervision of the Digital Skills Association, the technical arm of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, through the Youth, Technology, and Jobs (Digiskills) and Proparco, the investment arm of the French Development Agency (AFD). Several companies and organizations participated in the fair, aiming to attract young technical talents. The fair aims to provide a practical platform for direct interaction between graduates seeking job opportunities in the tech sector and employers looking for promising and qualified talent, thereby facilitating the hiring process and enhancing the graduates' readiness for the job market. On this occasion, Orange Jordan expressed its pride in organizing the event in partnership with DigiSkills and Proparco, emphasizing that the fair represents a significant milestone in supporting and empowering graduates professionally by connecting them directly with companies in a dynamic environment that enables immediate interviews. The fair reflects Orange Jordan's deep commitment to supporting the information technology sector and empowering youth with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, stemming from its role as a leading and responsible digital provider. It also demonstrates the company's ongoing efforts to deliver innovative solutions that meet labor market demands and help bridge the skills gap. It is worth mentioning that the Orange Digital Center for coding education won first place in the second edition of King Abdullah II Award for Volunteering in the category of (profit institutions under corporate social responsibility). This recognition was granted for its efforts in teaching programming to students, highlighting its sustainable impact in empowering youth by providing free, world-class training in programming languages and the skills necessary to enter the job market. About Orange Jordan Orange Jordan, with over 1800 employees across nearly 300 shops and locations throughout Jordan, strives to provide the best customer experience through an integrated set of digital solutions including fixed lines, mobile lines, internet, data, and Smart Life Solutions to around 4.6 million customers in Jordan. Orange Jordan is a subsidiary of Orange Global Group, which is present in 26 countries worldwide. In line with the Group's strategy 'Lead the Future' and through its positioning as a true responsible digital leader, Orange Jordan supports the national digital transformation vision. Orange Jordan prioritizes community service, and in this context, it implements a comprehensive CSR strategy that revolves around 4 pillars including digital education, digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, climate, and environment. In addition to serving individual customers, Orange Jordan offers tailored solutions for businesses through its sub-brand, (Orange Business). About Orange Orange is one of the world's leading telecommunications operators with revenues of 40.3 billion euros in 2024 and 127,000 employees worldwide at 31 December 2024, including 71,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 291 million customers worldwide at 31 December 2024, including 253 million mobile customers and 22 million fixed broadband customers. These figures account for the deconsolidation of certain activities in Spain following the creation of MASORANGE. The Group is present in 26 countries (including non-consolidated countries). Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies under the brand Orange Business. In February 2023, the Group presented its strategic plan "Lead the Future", built on a new business model and guided by responsibility and efficiency. "Lead the Future" capitalizes on network excellence to reinforce Orange's leadership in service quality.
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan at a turning point
Pakistan stands at a critical juncture in its history, where the choices made today will shape its destiny for generations. The nation is entangled in a web of economic distress, political turbulence, and institutional fatigue that not only threaten its immediate recovery but jeopardize its long-term development. Inflation is rampant, the rupee continues to weaken, and public debt has reached record highs. Investor confidence has eroded, and bureaucratic paralysis afflicts sectors that once held promise. Yet within this storm lies a current of hope—an untapped reservoir of human and natural capital that, if properly channelled, could transform Pakistan from a struggling economy into a regional powerhouse. The economic crisis Pakistan faces is multi-layered. As of early 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows a year-on-year inflation rate of 23.5%, while food inflation exceeds 30%. The rupee, which stood at PKR 160 to the US dollar in 2020, now trades at over PKR 305. External debt has climbed beyond $125 billion, up from $60 billion in 2013, and public debt has surpassed PKR 65 trillion, amounting to nearly 78% of GDP. Foreign exchange reserves, which were once a comfortable cushion, have dipped below $4 billion, barely sufficient to cover one month of imports. Pakistan's tax-to-GDP ratio remains stubbornly low at 9.2%, and the fiscal deficit continues to balloon. Comparisons with regional neighbours highlight the urgency of reform. Bangladesh maintains GDP growth rates above 6%, attracts $3–4 billion in FDI annually, and has increased its exports to over $50 billion, surpassing Pakistan. India continues to pull in more than $80 billion in annual FDI, bolstered by strong macroeconomic policies and digital infrastructure. In contrast, Pakistan's GDP growth hovers below 2%, while FDI inflows remain stagnant at around $1.5 billion. These figures reflect deep structural issues that quick fixes and foreign loans alone cannot resolve. But the true strength of Pakistan is not buried in numbers—it lies in its people. With over 64% of the population under 30, Pakistan boasts one of the youngest populations globally. This demographic is digitally connected, politically aware, and increasingly entrepreneurial. Pakistan ranks as the fourth-largest freelancing country in the world. Platforms like Digi Skills and eRozgaar have trained more than 2 million youth in digital trades. Yet, despite their drive, many young Pakistanis face a bleak job market. Over 700,000 graduates are produced each year, but a significant portion find themselves unemployed or underemployed. The government spends just 2.5% of GDP on education, far below the UNESCO recommendation of 4-6%, and vocational training reaches less than 10% of youth. This mismatch between talent and opportunity is perhaps Pakistan's most pressing challenge. Without focused investment in human capital and digital infrastructure, the demographic dividend will remain a ticking time bomb. It is not just about creating jobs but creating pathways—from education to employment, from ambition to actualization. Pakistan's youth do not want handouts; they want access, opportunity, and a system that rewards effort. The political landscape, meanwhile, remains fractious. No Prime Minister in Pakistan's recent history has completed a full five-year term. The country has seen eight finance ministers since 2018 alone. Public trust in leadership is at historic lows. Surveys by Gallup Pakistan and PILDAT reveal that 67% of respondents identify corruption as the country's most severe issue. Trust in institutions like the Parliament has dropped below 30%. Yet, there is a silver lining: the youth are increasingly rejecting traditional party allegiances in favor of transparency, meritocracy, and results. This shift in political consciousness offers a rare opportunity to reset the national narrative. Pakistan's economic revitalization must begin at home. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which employ over 80% of the non-agricultural workforce and contribute 40% to GDP, are suffocating under overregulation, limited credit access, and complex taxation. Despite their importance, SMEs receive less than 8% of formal lending from banks. In the manufacturing sector, particularly textiles, which account for over 60% of exports, a 19% decline was recorded in 2023 due to high energy costs and import restrictions. To revive industry, Pakistan needs to adopt a business-first approach. Simplified tax regimes, digital single-window operations, access to capital through venture funds, and regulatory stability are not luxuries—they are necessities. The agriculture sector, employing 38% of the labor force, is similarly stagnant. Wheat yield remains at 2.9 tons per hectare, compared to 4.5 globally. Innovation in irrigation, seeds, and farm management is urgently required. Pakistan's circular debt in the energy sector has ballooned to Rs. 2.3 trillion. Despite having over 6,000 MW in idle capacity, load shedding persists due to inefficiencies in distribution and recovery. Natural resources, including the untapped mineral wealth in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, represent a missed opportunity of massive proportions. The Reko Diq project alone, potentially worth over $450 billion, was delayed for more than a decade due to legal and political entanglements. Forestry, covering less than 5% of land area, continues to shrink, while tourism—with the potential to generate $15 billion annually—remains neglected. After 2022, foreign tourist arrivals were below 1 million, constrained by lack of infrastructure, safety, and consistent policies. Infrastructure must be redefined. Building highways is no longer enough. The future of infrastructure lies in digital networks, clean energy grids, public health systems, and education. Around 35% of Pakistan's population lacks reliable internet access, and in rural areas, that figure exceeds 50%. Expanding broadband, investing in 5G, and digitizing government services can drive inclusion and innovation. The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) model, which serves over 2.6 million students via public-private schools, should be replicated nationwide. Similarly, expanding vocational training through NAVTTC to reach one million youth annually can bridge the skills gap. The Pakistani diaspora—over 8 million strong—sends home more than $30 billion annually. But their contribution can go beyond remittances. Many are professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics who, if engaged properly, could become strategic partners in national development. Pakistan should emulate models like India's OCI scheme or the Philippines' Balik Scientist Program to harness diaspora expertise. Offering diaspora bonds, dual citizenship benefits, and tax incentives can channel their investment into long-term growth sectors. Yet, all of this hinges on one critical factor: political stability. No amount of economic planning can succeed if the governance framework is in flux. Investors—domestic and international— demand policy continuity. Reforms in civil service, judiciary, and regulatory institutions must ensure autonomy, capacity building, and protection from political interference. Parliamentary committees need real oversight powers, and election reforms must restore public confidence. The example of countries like Rwanda, Malaysia, and Vietnam show that institutional stability can drive rapid development even in challenging environments. Pakistan is not lacking in potential. It is lacking in alignment. Alignment between policy and potential, between leadership and youth, between institutions and the people they are meant to serve. This moment is more than a crisis—it is a choice. The choice to shift from reactive governance to proactive nation-building. The business community is ready. The youth are restless but motivated. The world is watching. The time for platitudes has passed. Pakistan must choose bold, realistic, and inclusive strategies that put people first. It must reward innovation, punish corruption, and empower its most valuable asset—its people. The question is no longer whether Pakistan can change. The question is: will it choose to? History will not remember the excuses. It will remember the actions taken when the nation stood at turning point The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners
