National eCommerce Council (NeCC) held its 9th meeting, chaired by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, with a focus on propelling Pakistan’s digital trade sector forward.
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to develop a five-year action plan aimed at bolstering digital trade in Pakistan. This comprehensive plan will outline strategies to accelerate e-commerce growth and strengthen the country’s digital commerce ecosystem.
Collaboration for a Cross-Sectoral Policy
The NeCC is committed to a collaborative approach. The newly formed cross-sectoral policy is expected to be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar before the upcoming budget session. This policy aims to address concerns and opportunities across various sectors impacting digital trade.
Focus on Payment Systems
Recognizing the importance of a robust payment infrastructure, the meeting emphasized the need for dedicated working groups. One such group will focus specifically on refining the payment system in Pakistan’s e-commerce landscape.
Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) presented updates on Pakistan Trade Portal (PTP), highlighting its current user base and product listings. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal commended TDAP’s efforts and suggested exploring ways to increase registrations, potentially by linking the portal with other relevant resources.
Digital Payment Infrastructure and IT Sector Challenges
A representative from the central bank provided insights into the current state of digital payment systems in Pakistan. The discussion emphasized the need for a secure and reliable payment infrastructure to facilitate further e-commerce growth. Additionally, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) presented the challenges faced by the IT sector and proposed strategies to foster growth within the industry.
A representative from AlfaMall shared valuable insights on the progress of Business-to-Consumer (B2C) retail e-commerce in Pakistan. The discussion focused on evolving consumer behavior, emerging market trends, and the potential of B2C e-commerce to transform online retail in the country.
NeCC’s meeting signifies a significant step towards building a robust digital trade ecosystem in Pakistan. The development of a five-year action plan, coupled with a cross-sectoral policy and collaboration between various stakeholders, paves the way for a thriving digital commerce future.
