Alibaba Team met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a powerful push toward digital globalization. Led by James Dong, President of Alibaba’s International Markets, the team engaged in a strategic discussion about strengthening Pakistan’s role in global e-commerce. During the meeting, PM Sharif announced a bold directive: to develop a national E-Commerce Strategy aimed at boosting exports and empowering digital entrepreneurship.
As an official Alibaba Global Channel Partner in Pakistan, The Dorsum views this as a historic opportunity for local sellers to connect with international buyers like never before.
300,000 Pakistani Sellers Are Already Online — Mostly in Textiles
James Dong shared that over 300,000 Pakistanis are already selling their products through the Alibaba platform, with textile items being the most in-demand. This clearly signals that Pakistan has both the talent and supply capacity — it just needs strategic direction and training to scale globally.
PM Shehbaz emphasized:
“E-commerce is a vital element in realizing the government’s vision of an export-led economy.”
PM’s E-Commerce Strategy: What Was Announced?
Following the meeting with the Alibaba Team, the Prime Minister directed:
Formation of a high-level committee to create an actionable E-Commerce Strategy
Steps to increase Pakistani seller participation on global platforms like Alibaba
Introduction of training programs for digital entrepreneurship
Promotion of export-led trade via e-commerce channels
This approach aligns with Pakistan’s vision of building a digitally enabled export economy.
Alibaba’s Commitment to Pakistani Businesses
James Dong praised the efforts of Pakistan’s small business community and expressed strong interest in:
Providing technical training and resources to local entrepreneurs
Growing the number of Pakistani traders on Alibaba’s global platform
Deepening collaboration with Alibaba Global Channel Partners like The Dorsum to support on-ground efforts
New Taxation on E-Commerce Platforms
While the Alibaba Team welcomed government support, Pakistan’s federal budget (passed June 26) introduced new measures:
18% sales tax on goods delivered by couriers from foreign platforms
5% fixed income tax on digital retailers
Reduced duty-free threshold from Rs5,000 to Rs500 on imported goods
Though this could increase costs, it reflects the growing significance of digital commerce in national economic planning.
How The Dorsum Supports This National Vision
As Pakistan’s Alibaba Global Channel Partner, The Dorsum provides everything a local business needs to succeed on Alibaba:
✅ Gold Supplier Memberships
✅ Strategic Seller Training
✅ Product Listings & Optimization
✅ Custom Minisite Designs
✅ Performance Monitoring
✅ Ongoing Seller Support & Consultancy
📞 Want to join the 300,000+ Pakistani sellers already thriving online?
Contact The Dorsum to get started.
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changing Moment for Pakistan
The Alibaba Team’s visit has clearly ignited momentum for Pakistan’s digital trade sector. With 80% internet teledensity and a rising young population, Pakistan is ready for e-commerce at scale.
And with strategic partners like The Dorsum, Alibaba’s global infrastructure, and government-level support, the dream of a digitally empowered export economy is closer than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is an Alibaba Global Channel Partner?
An Alibaba Global Channel Partner is an authorized company that helps local businesses join the Alibaba.com platform. They provide end-to-end services like account setup, product listing, optimization, training, and support to help sellers succeed globally.
What was the main outcome of the Alibaba Team’s visit to Pakistan?
The key outcome was the Prime Minister’s directive to form a high-level committee to craft a national E-Commerce Strategy, promote local sellers globally, and boost Pakistan’s digital export economy through platforms like Alibaba.
How many Pakistani sellers are active on Alibaba.com?
According to the meeting, over 300,000 Pakistani entrepreneurs—primarily in textiles—are actively selling on Alibaba.com, showcasing strong participation and potential for export growth.
How does The Dorsum support Pakistani sellers on Alibaba?
The Dorsum, as an Alibaba Global Channel Partner in Pakistan, offers services including seller training, product listing, minisite design, performance monitoring, and strategic support—enabling more local businesses to succeed in international trade.
Will there be training for new e-commerce sellers in Pakistan?
Yes, the Alibaba Team expressed strong interest in launching technical training programs in Pakistan to help aspiring entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses on Alibaba.com.
Why is e-commerce important for Pakistan’s economy?
E-commerce drives digital entrepreneurship, increases exports, and empowers SMEs to access global markets. With over 80% teledensity, Pakistan is well-positioned to lead in the digital trade space.
Syed Mussab Ahmed
July 19, 2025Kudos to Dorsum for shedding light on Alibaba’s strategic interest in Pakistan and how local businesses can proactively prepare to ride the upcoming e-commerce wave. This kind of timely insight is exactly what Enterprises need to start thinking globally