KARACHI: Alibaba.com, a leading global B2B e-commerce platform, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ignite – National Technology Fund, under the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MoITT), to accelerate the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy and open international trade opportunities for startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
As part of the agreement, Alibaba.com will host and support both online and offline promotional initiatives such as Pakistan-focused trade shows and an online national pavilion. The platform will also provide AI-powered business tools and deliver tailored B2B e-commerce training for selected SMEs and startups. Ignite will assist with execution by identifying potential exporters, organizing seminars in key cities, and promoting Alibaba.com-led programs nationwide.
The signing ceremony took place in Beijing during the 2nd Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference, where Pakistan’s Minister of IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Roger Luo, Head of South & Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com, formalized the agreement in the presence of senior officials.
Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Minister Shaza Fatima stated: “Pakistan is on the verge of tapping immense global e-commerce opportunities. With the energy and innovation of our youth, this collaboration with Alibaba.com will help SMEs and startups enhance their visibility, grow exports, and integrate with international best practices.”
Roger Luo emphasized Alibaba.com’s commitment to enabling trade competitiveness: “By combining our platform’s technology, AI tools, and training with government support, we aim to empower SMEs to scale globally, strengthen export capabilities, and build long-term digital trade pathways.”
This collaboration marks a key step toward boosting Pakistan’s participation in global e-commerce, driving innovation, and creating new avenues for inclusive economic growth.
