Pakistan, Alibaba strengthen E-commerce ties

June 15, 2026 (MLN): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan held talks with a delegation of Alibaba.com on Monday to discuss collaboration aimed at accelerating Pakistan’s digital trade growth and improving export opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The meeting, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Industries and Production and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), reviewed measures to strengthen the country’s digital commerce framework and increase the participation of Pakistani businesses in international online markets, as APP reported.

A key focus of the discussions was the proposed implementation of the DigiSME Pakistan initiative in partnership with SMEDA, which seeks to support SMEs through digital tools, market access, and e-commerce integration.

Representatives of Alibaba.com briefed participants on artificial intelligence-based solutions that can help local enterprises improve productivity, enhance competitiveness, and connect with buyers across global markets.

Haroon Akhtar said the understandings reached during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China had opened new avenues for cooperation with Alibaba Group.

He noted that greater access to digital trade platforms would help Pakistani SMEs become part of global value chains, supporting export growth, business development, and employment generation.

The Alibaba.com delegation highlighted the export potential of Pakistani products and emphasized the growing importance of AI-enabled commerce in facilitating cross-border trade and linking businesses with international demand.

The company also expressed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through customized digital services and capacity-building initiatives.

As part of the collaboration, Alibaba.com plans to conduct training sessions aimed at enhancing exporters’ understanding of online trade, e-commerce operations, and digital marketing practices.

Haroon Akhtar directed SMEDA to work closely with Alibaba.com to maximize the benefits of digital platforms for local businesses and help them tap emerging opportunities in global e-commerce.

Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation to support the digital transformation of Pakistan’s SME sector, with the objective of boosting exports, improving competitiveness, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

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