Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Meets with Alibaba Leadership
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a significant meeting on Thursday with a high-level delegation from Alibaba Group, led by James Dong, the company’s president of international markets. The primary focus of the discussions was to explore new avenues for expanding Pakistan’s e-commerce sector and integrating local businesses more deeply into the global digital economy.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted the critical importance of e-commerce as a key driver of exports and economic growth. Stressing the need for swift and coordinated action, he directed the formation of a special committee to accelerate the promotion and facilitation of online trade in the country.
Tapping into Pakistan’s E-Commerce Potential
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underlined that e-commerce presents immense opportunities to increase national exports. He encouraged practical measures to boost the number of Pakistani businesses operating on global platforms such as Alibaba. “There is immense potential in e-commerce to increase Pakistan’s exports,” he remarked, pointing out that currently around 300,000 Pakistani products are listed and sold through Alibaba’s marketplaces.
James Dong echoed this sentiment, specifically noting that Pakistani textiles are among the most sought-after products on Alibaba platforms. He commended the country’s business community for its enthusiastic participation in the international e-commerce ecosystem and voiced Alibaba Group’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to significantly expand its digital footprint.
Capacity Building and Entrepreneurial Training
A notable highlight of the meeting was Alibaba’s commitment to providing training and capacity-building initiatives for Pakistani entrepreneurs. James Dong emphasized the importance of equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the highly competitive digital marketplace. By offering resources and educational opportunities, Alibaba aims to empower more Pakistani sellers to reach international customers and grow their online businesses.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman, and other senior leaders. Their presence underscored the government’s comprehensive approach to supporting the e-commerce sector, from policy formulation to implementation.
Government’s Vision for a “Digital Pakistan”
In a related development, Minister Shaza Fatima held talks with a delegation from Meta, led by Sarim Uzair, the director of public policy for South and Central Asia. This meeting further illustrated the government’s commitment to building a “Digital Pakistan,” a vision that lies at the heart of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s economic agenda.
Minister Shaza Fatima noted that the Prime Minister personally oversees weekly meetings dedicated to developing a cashless economy, reflecting the government’s proactive approach. She emphasized that digital technologies are increasingly being leveraged to improve public services and that prioritizing digital skills development for Pakistani youth is crucial for future growth.
Artificial Intelligence and Language Innovation
A key topic during the discussions with Meta was the strategic importance of artificial intelligence for Pakistan’s future. Minister Shaza Fatima welcomed Meta’s efforts to develop AI models in the Urdu language, viewing it as a vital step in making advanced technologies more accessible to the local population. The Meta delegation briefed her on the company’s ongoing work in large language models and artificial intelligence, expressing enthusiasm for further collaboration and training programs in Pakistan.
Strengthening Global Partnerships for Digital Growth
These meetings with global tech leaders signal that Pakistan is actively seeking to strengthen international partnerships in the digital sphere. The government’s engagement with Alibaba and Meta highlights its recognition of e-commerce and artificial intelligence as engines of future economic development. By fostering collaboration, capacity building, and innovation, Pakistan aims to position itself as a significant player in the global digital marketplace.
