Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Monday chaired a meeting with a delegation from Alibaba.com to explore avenues for cooperation aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy, promoting industrial growth, and enhancing the export potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Haroon, Alibaba.com delegation discuss cooperation to boost SMEs’ digital exports
ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Monday chaired a meeting with a delegation from Alibaba.com to explore avenues for cooperation aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy, promoting industrial growth, and enhancing the export potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The meeting, attended by Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum, SMEDA Chief Executive Officer Nadia J. Seth, Joint Secretary Freedoon Akram Sheikh and other senior officials, focused on expanding Pakistan’s digital trade ecosystem and increasing the global online reach of local businesses, a news release said.
Discussions centred on implementing the “DigiSME Pakistan” initiative in collaboration with SMEDA, alongside broader efforts to support industrial development and facilitate greater participation by Pakistani enterprises in international e-commerce markets.
During the meeting, the Alibaba.com delegation presented a range of artificial intelligence-powered solutions designed to help Pakistani SMEs improve operational efficiency, strengthen competitiveness and access new opportunities in global markets.
Speaking on the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China and the memoranda of understanding signed with Alibaba Group marked an important step forward in Pakistan’s economic development.
He said Alibaba.com’s services would enable Pakistani SMEs to integrate more effectively into global value chains through digital trade, leading to increased exports, business expansion and job creation.
The Alibaba.com representatives observed that Pakistan’s quality products possessed significant potential to attract international buyers through the company’s global digital platform.
They highlighted the growing role of AI-driven commerce in connecting sellers with overseas demand and facilitating cross-border trade.
The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the export growth of Pakistan’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through tailored digital services and specialized assistance.
As part of the initiative, Alibaba.com would organize dedicated training programmes to equip local businesses with practical knowledge of online exports, digital trade and e-commerce best practices.
Haroon Akhtar directed SMEDA to work closely with Alibaba.com to ensure that MSMEs fully utilize digital platforms and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global e-commerce landscape.
The both sides expressed a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for the digital transformation and internationalization of Pakistan’s SME sector, with a focus on expanding exports and fostering sustainable economic growth.
