Meta, Pakistan discuss partnership on digital trade, AI collaboration

October 29, 2025 (MLN): Global tech giant Meta and the Government of Pakistan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in digital trade, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation and empower small businesses.

The understanding came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and a Meta delegation led by Mr. Rafael Frankel, Director for Public Policy (South Asia), held at the Ministry of Commerce. Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Rana Ihsaan Afzal, also attended the meeting.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan appreciated Meta’s role in supporting Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and highlighted that the country’s digital economy is one of the fastest-growing in South Asia.

This is driven by a youthful workforce and rising internet connectivity. He noted that Pakistan produces over 75,000 IT graduates annually, fueling innovation and export growth.

He informed the delegation that Pakistan’s IT and ITeS exports surged 18% in FY2025 to $3.8 billion, with the first quarter of FY2026 posting a 21% year-on-year rise to $1.06 billion.

The Minister also shared that the National E-Commerce Policy 2.0 (2025–2030) is being finalized, aiming to expand the e-commerce market to $20 billion by 2030 through MSME digitization, improved logistics, and cross-border trade facilitation.

Discussing Pakistan’s growing leadership in regional digital trade platforms like the SCO E-Commerce Cooperation Program and MPCEPA, the Minister invited Meta to collaborate through the Ministry’s IT Sectoral Council on areas such as AI ethics, digital safety, and e-commerce standards.

He also outlined Pakistan’s recent strides in AI policy and governance, including the National AI Policy 2025, Uraan Pakistan initiative, and Digital National Pakistan (DNP) Act 2025, which together promote ethical and inclusive AI adoption.

The Minister invited Meta to join hands on AI skilling programs for youth and to explore a Meta–Pakistan E-Commerce Accelerator Pilot for boosting digital entrepreneurship.

Mr. Rafael Frankel praised Pakistan’s progress in digital transformation and reaffirmed Meta’s interest in expanding cooperation on AI-driven innovation, digital skills development, and SME enablement.

He highlighted Meta’s ongoing initiatives such as Meta Boost, designed to enhance entrepreneurs’ digital marketing skills and promote online safety.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a long-term partnership to promote innovation, responsible technology use, and economic empowerment through digital advancement.

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