Pakistan is finalizing its E-Commerce Policy 2.0, a new framework aimed at transforming the nation’s digital trade ecosystem and driving online commerce to reach $20 billion by 2030. The upcoming policy focuses on strengthening digital business infrastructure, improving consumer protection, and introducing transparent standards for e-commerce operations across the country.
The development came during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Meta’s delegation, where discussions centered around digital trade, artificial intelligence, and online marketplace growth. The policy, now nearing approval, is expected to pave the way for more robust digital inclusion and international collaboration in Pakistan’s e-commerce landscape. Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that Pakistan remains one of South Asia’s fastest-growing digital economies, producing over 75,000 IT graduates annually and showing significant momentum in IT and IT-enabled services exports. According to the minister, these exports have risen by 18 percent to reach $3.8 billion, while the first quarter of the ongoing fiscal year recorded a 21 percent jump, taking total exports to $1.06 billion.
Khan underscored the importance of global partnerships to ensure that Pakistan’s e-commerce environment remains transparent, safe, and inclusive. He invited Meta to work with Pakistan on developing frameworks around AI ethics, digital safety, and standardized e-commerce practices to protect consumers and foster trust in online platforms. The minister also discussed the country’s growing efforts to promote artificial intelligence through the National AI Policy 2025 and the Digital Pakistan Act, both of which aim to accelerate technological innovation and digital governance. He further encouraged Meta to collaborate on AI skilling initiatives designed to enhance youth employability and empower local talent in emerging digital sectors.
Meta’s Director for Emerging Markets, Rafael Frankel, appreciated Pakistan’s progress in expanding its digital economy and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting local initiatives. He expressed Meta’s interest in backing training programs for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to leverage online tools for growth. Both sides agreed on strengthening cooperation to foster innovation, enhance security in digital transactions, and promote economic empowerment through technology-led programs.
The E-Commerce Policy 2.0 is expected to address existing gaps in the digital economy by improving payment infrastructure, supporting cross-border trade facilitation, and formalizing the role of digital platforms in business operations. With its comprehensive approach combining regulatory clarity, AI integration, and private sector collaboration, the new policy aims to position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global online marketplace while ensuring inclusivity, fairness, and consumer confidence in digital trade.
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