Pakistan eyes regional lead in digital trade at GLOBE Summit

July 11, 2025 (MLN): Digital trade is emerging as a central pillar of Pakistan’s strategy to drive economic recovery, diversify exports, and deepen regional integration, officials said at the GLOBE Pakistan Summit 2025 held in Islamabad yesterday.

Speaking at the event, themed “Gateway to Logistics & Business through E-Commerce,” Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, emphasized that in a world increasingly governed by data flows, algorithms, and digital trust, the future belongs to nations that build credible, connected ecosystems.

“Digital transformation is at the heart of Pakistan’s economic roadmap and regional diplomacy,” he told a packed audience of government leaders, private sector executives, and diplomats from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and Pakistan.

Organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) under the Ministry of Commerce, the summit served as a platform to operationalize e-commerce cooperation agreements recently signed with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus.

The initiative falls under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) framework, which is driving cross-border policy dialogues, presentations, and B2B networking.

Rana Ihsaan Afzal called for immediate, coordinated policy actions across ministries, stronger institutions to anchor investor confidence, and a business climate that nurtures innovation free from bureaucratic hurdles.

He applauded TDAP, the Ministry of Commerce, the State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Post, and private players for collectively advancing the country’s digital trade ecosystem.

The summit featured presentations by trade officials from partner countries on their evolving e-commerce landscapes, alongside showcases by Pakistani institutions on digital payments, logistics modernization, and regulatory frameworks.

It concluded with B2B matchmaking sessions, linking platforms such as Daraz, Telemart, and Laam with international counterparts.

Drawing over 100 participants and significant diplomatic representation, the GLOBE Pakistan Summit signaled Islamabad’s intent to shift from dialogue to delivery, positioning itself not just as a participant but as a proactive leader in regional digital commerce.

Copyright Mettis Link News