Government Initiative Aims to Connect Local Businesses with Global Buyers
In a significant move to enhance Pakistan’s export capabilities, the government has announced plans to launch a digital marketplace modeled on global e-commerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba. This platform, spearheaded by the Ministry of Industries and Production, is designed to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with direct access to international markets.
A Centralized Hub for High-Value Pakistani Products
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries, Haroon Akhtar Khan, revealed the initiative during a high-level meeting focused on digital strategies for the SME sector. He stated that the platform will serve as a centralized online hub where global buyers can explore and purchase high-value Pakistani goods.
The marketplace will feature products from key industries, including:
- Gems and jewellery
- Automotive parts and vehicles
- Various other SME-manufactured goods
Part of a Broader Digital Push for SMEs
This digital marketplace forms a core component of the government’s broader agenda to digitize the country’s SME sector and increase its contribution to national exports under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s economic plan. The initiative seeks to tap into the rapidly expanding global e-commerce market, improving the visibility and competitiveness of Pakistani businesses abroad.
Roadmap and Implementation
A dedicated working group has been established to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the portal’s launch. The group will ensure the platform meets international standards for functionality, accessibility, and security. The meeting, attended by key officials including Industries Secretary Saif Anjum and SMEDA CEO Nadia J Seth, emphasized strategies to strengthen SMEs through digital tools and enhanced global market access.
Officials confirmed that the portal will offer functionality similar to leading global platforms, providing Pakistani firms with the necessary tools to showcase and sell their products directly to international customers. This project represents a strategic effort to modernize Pakistan’s export infrastructure and foster economic growth through digital innovation.
