Business & Finance Print edition: 2026-10-31

SMEDA, Alibaba to train 10,000 SMEs for global exports

Published October 31, 2026 Updated October 31, 2026 05:33am

2 min

By Recorder Report

Add BRecorder as a trusted
source on Google

LAHORE: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), in collaboration with global e-commerce platform Alibaba.com, will train 10,000 Pakistani small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and facilitate the onboarding of up to 2,000 eligible businesses to the international B2B platform, offering them financial support of up to Rs150,000 each to strengthen their export potential.

The initiative follows a ‘Strategic Cooperation Agreement’ between SMEDA, operating under the Ministry of Industries and Production, and Alibaba.com, aimed at expanding international market access, promoting digital transformation and enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistani businesses.

Under the programme, eligible SMEs will receive reimbursement-based financial assistance of up to Rs150,000 from SMEDA, along with preferential pricing, onboarding facilitation and technical guidance from Alibaba.com. Capacity-building and training opportunities will also be provided to help local businesses connect with international buyers.

Officials said priority would be given to export-oriented sectors, including sports goods and sportswear, textiles, agricultural machinery and auto parts. The selection and onboarding process would remain transparent, with facilities available to eligible businesses.

The collaboration builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2026 during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China to promote SME internationalisation, digital commerce and export development.

SMEDA Chief Executive Officer Nadia Jahangir Seth said the initiative reflected the government’s vision of promoting exports and using technology to create new business opportunities. She said the partnership was part of SMEDA’s continued efforts to help Pakistani SMEs access global markets. Interested businesses can register through SMEDA’s online portal at smerp.smeda.org.

Earlier, Alibaba.com organised the AI Export × New Supply Growth Summit 2026 in Faisalabad, marking the launch of DigiSME Pakistan in the city, where participants explored AI-enabled tools and global digital trade opportunities.

Read Comments