PM Shehbaz meets Alibaba team, terms e-commerce vital for export growth 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday stressed the need for a clear plan to grow Pakistan’s e-commerce sector, calling it vital for boosting exports in the digital age.

He gave the directive during a meeting with a six-member delegation from China’s Alibaba Group, led by James Dong, President of Alibaba International Markets. 

Shehbaz asked for a dedicated committee to create a roadmap that would expand Pakistan’s presence on global e-commerce platforms. 

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the delegation welcomed the rising number of Pakistani businesses on Alibaba’s online marketplace. 

The prime minister noted that over 300,000 Pakistani products are now listed on the platform, with textiles being the top category. He said this figure must grow to support the country’s export goals and open up more opportunities for small and medium enterprises. 

“E-commerce is no longer a choice but a necessity,” Shehbaz said. “It is a key part of our plan for an export-led economy.” He urged officials to help local products reach a wider international market. 

Dong praised the role of Pakistani entrepreneurs in global trade. He reaffirmed Alibaba’s commitment to Pakistan and said the company is ready to provide technical training to help local sellers grow. 

He added that Pakistan has huge untapped potential in digital commerce and could benefit greatly from more global exposure. 

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