Shaukat Aziz is being interviewed by the China Daily website on Nov 4, 2016. [Photo by Wu Zheyu/chinadaily.com.cn]

The World Internet Conference is a window to see new outcomes of the internet and connect the world, according to Shaukat Aziz, former prime minister of Pakistan.

"Today, it is the quality of your software and how you use information technology to adopt new ways of computing at a level where the lives of ordinary people change and improve," Aziz said.

Countries should open themselves to each other rather than creating barriers to prevent (technological inventions) of companies or certain suppliers, he said

With regard to the development of the internet, Aziz said, "The whole effort of improving connectivity and improving software applications and how to use computers is getting support across the board. … What impressed me is that Chinese entrepreneurs and software experts, along with (partners) from the rest of the world are coming up with these new applications."

He said, "I think China has come a major distance in technological development and has taken a leading role in the manufacturing and many other products."

China and Pakistan both have young technology industries and Pakistan has a lot of overseas talents, he said.

He suggested the two countries should join hands in coming up with new ideas that would be very productive in the technology field.

China and Pakistan can set an example of how to cooperate in the technology sector with more exchanges and communication, helping to achieve complementary economic development.

"No part of the world has an exclusive on wisdom and software development is taking place worldwide," Aziz said.

Countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative can use software as a platform to better develop due to the benefit of technology and information flows, he added.

"Information technology is the backbone of the world, and it will grow even further," he said.