ISLAMABAD — In a strategic push to align Pakistan with the digital economy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for a comprehensive national roadmap to accelerate growth in the e-commerce sector. The announcement came during a high-level meeting with a six-member delegation from Alibaba Group, led by James Dong, President of Alibaba International Markets.
The meeting underscored Islamabad’s increasing recognition of e-commerce as not just an opportunity but a necessity in modern trade. “E-commerce is no longer a choice — it’s an essential pillar in our drive toward an export-oriented economy,” said the Prime Minister. He directed the immediate formation of a dedicated committee tasked with developing a strategy for scaling up Pakistan’s e-commerce footprint globally.
During the meeting, the Alibaba delegation expressed appreciation for the rising number of Pakistani entrepreneurs showcasing their products on Alibaba’s global platforms. PM Shehbaz noted that over 300,000 locally produced items from Pakistan — mainly textiles — are currently listed on Alibaba’s marketplace. “This number must grow. We have the talent, the craftsmanship, and the potential to become a major player in global digital trade,” he remarked.
He stressed that expanding Pakistan’s footprint in the digital trade landscape could be a game-changer for the country’s exports. “E-commerce is a powerful tool for empowering our businesses, especially SMEs, and connecting them with global markets.”
James Dong echoed the sentiment, stating, “Pakistan has tremendous untapped potential in e-commerce. What we’re seeing today is just the tip of the iceberg.” He added that Alibaba is eager to work with the Pakistani government to provide digital tools, training, and logistical support to help local entrepreneurs grow.
“We are particularly keen on technical training programs to build capacity among Pakistani sellers and help them meet global demand,” Dong said.
The conversation also included discussions about enhancing infrastructure, payment gateways, and digital logistics to support long-term growth in the sector.
Revamping PNSC: A Separate Push for Maritime Reform
In a separate development the same day, the Prime Minister chaired a review meeting on the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). Emphasizing the importance of maritime logistics in national development, Shehbaz Sharif instructed officials to prepare a detailed plan for transforming the PNSC into a globally competitive shipping enterprise.
“Pakistan’s shipping sector holds immense potential — not just for trade, but also for investment,” he said, calling for institutional reforms, restructuring, and a modern strategy to elevate PNSC to international standards.
As Pakistan navigates economic recovery and seeks new avenues for growth, these dual efforts — expanding e-commerce and modernizing shipping — reflect a focused push to make the country more globally competitive in the digital and trade arenas.
