ISLAMABAD - Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a high-level meeting with a delegation from Alibaba.com in Islamabad to explore avenues of cooperation aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy, promoting industrial growth, and enhancing the export potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Meeting Participants and Agenda
The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum, CEO SMEDA Ms. Nadia J. Seth, Joint Secretary of Industries and Production Freedoon Akram Sheik, and other senior officials. Discussions focused on the implementation of the “DigiSME Pakistan” initiative in collaboration with SMEDA, as well as broader topics such as industrial development and the expansion of Pakistan’s global online export reach.
AI-Powered Solutions for SMEs
During the meeting, the Alibaba.com delegation presented AI-powered solutions designed to support Pakistani SMEs, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and enabling them to capture global market opportunities more effectively. Speaking on the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China and the memorandums of understanding signed with Alibaba Group represent significant milestones for Pakistan’s economic development. He emphasized that Alibaba.com’s services would help Pakistani SMEs seamlessly integrate into global markets through digital trade, thereby boosting exports and generating new economic opportunities.
Commitment to Export Growth
The Alibaba.com delegation highlighted that Pakistan’s quality products are well-positioned to leverage Alibaba.com’s digital platform to access global buyers. Emphasizing the transformative impact of AI-driven commerce, the delegation noted that Alibaba.com’s advanced matching solutions are instrumental in connecting Pakistani sellers with international demand. Furthermore, the delegation reaffirmed its commitment to driving the export growth of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through tailored digital services and specialized support.
Training and Implementation
As part of this initiative, the company will conduct dedicated training sessions to equip Pakistani SMEs with essential expertise in online exports, digital trade, and e-commerce best practices. Haroon Akhtar Khan directed SMEDA to work closely with Alibaba.com to ensure that micro, small, and medium enterprises effectively utilize digital platforms and benefit from emerging opportunities in global e-commerce.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for the digital transformation and internationalization of Pakistan’s SME sector.
