ISLAMABAD: After social media giant Facebook announced its customer-to-customer network, which would allow users to buy and sell things, a new chapter of e-commerce is expected to begin in the country.
“I am pleased to note that, after Amazon, Facebook has developed a ‘Marketplace’ for Pakistan,” remarked PM’s Commerce Adviser Razak Dawood on Friday.
He went on to explain that it will encourage small business owners to offer their products online.
Facebook Marketplace was launched in 2016 and is now available in more than 100 countries. Previously, Facebook users in Pakistan were unable to use the tool.
“Such prospects during Covid-19 might be a lifeline for smaller enterprises,” the consultant said, adding that it would also benefit women entrepreneurs who wish to participate in market activity by buying and selling within their friends, family, and networks. This is the first step toward e-commerce.”
According to official documents obtained by Dawn, Facebook Marketplace was largely a C2C platform that allowed consumers to purchase and sell things.
Written messages from the Facebook management to Pakistan’s commerce ministry said that “introduction of new features and products on our platform is Facebook’s way of demonstrating our commitment and support to our community in Pakistan”.
“Expanding our product offerings in Pakistan and introducing new features allows us to serve individuals as well as small, medium, and even micro enterprises that use our platform,” the statement, which was made accessible to Dawn, continued.
Marketplace makes it easier and more convenient for people to buy and sell by leveraging their social network, according to the company.
The letter said, “This complements Facebook’s broader work to support Pakistan’s vibrant small business community with a variety of goods, services, and training programmes.”
On Marketplace, people can look through listings or search for items near to them to find great things to buy. Moreover, one does not have to download another app or set up a new account in order to buy and sell.
Similarly, the user can reach people in their local community and find unique items for sale through their existing Facebook account.
Marketplace is available on desktops and tablets as well as in the Facebook app. When using a web browser, the Facebook icon can be found on the left side of the page.
For decades, the social networking site has been a vital part of Pakistani society. Every month, more than 50 million Pakistanis log on to Facebook to connect with family and friends, find businesses they enjoy, and trade on a regular basis.
The Facebook administration stated, “We established Facebook Marketplace to make it easier and more convenient for buyers and sellers who are already on our platforms to connect and use this social network and sell their items.”
Currently, all transactions in Marketplace are completed outside of Facebook platform.
“We do not take revenue or seller’s fees for any of our roles in enabling sales via Marketplace,” it was clarified by Facebook.
The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on several nations’ economies, including Pakistan’s, and Facebook wants to assist the Pakistani government’s efforts to recover by giving features and products like Marketplace to let people purchase and sell and produce more economic activity.
“This is in addition to the support we provide small businesses to easily digitise operations, adapt to selling online, and reach out to broader networks, as well as programmes to assist SMBs during this difficult time,” a Facebook official said, adding that “we enable sellers to build an online presence at no cost and with minimal complexity, and for those just getting started.”
Source: www.dawn.com
