The American technology company Meta is exploring opportunities for collaboration with Pakistan in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), digital trade, and e-commerce under the government’s new Digital Transformation Policy.
This development emerged during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Meta’s Director of Public Policy (South Asia) Rafael Frankel, held in Islamabad. The discussion focused on potential cooperation in emerging technologies, digital skill development, and the empowerment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the Meta delegation and appreciated the company’s partnership role in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey.
He highlighted that Pakistan’s digital economy is among the fastest-growing in South Asia, driven by a young population, rising connectivity, and a strong IT talent base, with over 75,000 graduates entering the workforce each year.
The minister shared that the Ministry of Commerce is taking multiple initiatives to strengthen e-commerce, boost IT exports, and integrate AI into the national economy.
During the fiscal year 2025, Pakistan’s exports of IT and IT-enabled services rose by 18%, reaching $3.8 billion, while in the first quarter of FY2026, exports reached $1.06 billion, reflecting a 21% year-on-year growth.
He further revealed that the National E-Commerce Policy 2.0 (2025–2030) is being finalized, setting a target to expand Pakistan’s e-commerce market to $20 billion by 2030. The policy emphasizes digitization of MSMEs, improving logistics, and facilitating cross-border trade.
Pakistan, he added, is playing an active role in regional forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) E-Commerce Cooperation Program and MPCEPA, where digital trade and data security are key priorities.
Minister Jam Kamal invited Meta to collaborate through the IT Sectoral Council to promote ethical AI principles, digital security, and international e-commerce standards.
He also invited Meta to partner on AI skill development programs for Pakistani youth and proposed the establishment of a “Meta-Pakistan E-Commerce Accelerator Pilot” to encourage digital entrepreneurship.
Meta’s Regional Director Rafael Frankel appreciated Pakistan’s digital progress and expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation in AI-driven innovation, digital skills development, and SME support.
He reaffirmed Meta’s commitment to continue empowering Pakistani entrepreneurs and small businesses through its Meta Boost program, focusing on digital literacy, responsible marketing, and online safety.
Both sides agreed to maintain close cooperation to promote innovation, ensure a safe digital environment, and support economic growth through technology.
