Business & Finance Print edition: 2026-06-16

‘DigiSME’ initiative: SMEDA directed to work closely with Alibaba

Published June 16, 2026 Updated June 16, 2026 04:12am

2 min

By Abdul Rasheed Azad

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ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, has directed Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to work closely with Alibaba Group to ensure that micro, small and medium enterprises effectively utilize digital platforms and benefit from emerging opportunities in global e-commerce.

The SAPM issued these directives here on Monday while chairing a high-level meeting with a delegation of Alibaba Group, which called on him to discuss avenues of cooperation aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy, promoting industrial growth, and enhancing the export potential of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

In May 2026, the SMEDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Alibaba Group to enhance digital trade and expand global market access for Pakistan’s SMEs. Recently, the Chinese giant has also agreed with the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on signing an MoU for the promotion of Pakistani products.

Under the agreement, the company will conduct dedicated training sessions to equip Pakistani SMEs with essential expertise in online exports, digital trade, and e-commerce best practices.

The meeting was attended by the Federal Secretary for Industries and Productionm Saif Anjum, CEO SMEDA Nadia J Seth, Joint Secretary of Industries and Production, Freedoon Akram Sheik, and other senior officials.

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