Minister invites tech giants to engage on digital economy agenda, industry bodies
islamabad:
In a statement on Thursday, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan welcomed Mehta’s efforts to train 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in Pakistan in digital business and artificial intelligence, while inviting Mehta to engage in Pakistan’s digital economy agenda.
The Minister expressed these views during a meeting with the Mehta delegation led by Asia-Pacific Public Policy Director Tehara Panchihewa and Policy Program Manager Vivian Liang.
The Meta delegation introduced the Small Business Growth Academy, a program that will train 1,000 SMEs across Pakistan on Meta’s digital platform, AI-powered business tools, and online marketing strategies from August to November 2026. The program is conducted by local partner AtomCamp and is free to attend.
The delegation shared that the program aims to improve digital skills, expand market access, and support women entrepreneurs and small urban businesses through physical and online training sessions.
Mr. Khan welcomed the initiative, saying the government has put digitalization at the center of its reform agenda and is driving digital transformation across ministries and public institutions.
The minister informed the delegation that while Pakistan is finalizing a comprehensive e-commerce policy, extensive work is also underway on an artificial intelligence policy to foster innovation and technology-driven growth.
He stressed the need to view artificial intelligence not just as a conversational tool, but as a technology that can improve policy analysis, data-driven decision-making and public sector efficiency.
Highlighting the priorities of the Ministry of Commerce, Khan said Pakistan is increasingly focused on digital trade, e-commerce, and the use of technology to expand exports and improve market intelligence.
The minister pointed out that Pakistan’s young population, growing smartphone penetration and rapidly growing digital economy present great opportunities for technology companies to partner with the government.
He said that many Pakistani companies are entering the digital market, but greater awareness and practical training are needed to effectively utilize AI and digital tools for business growth and exports.
Mr Khan encouraged Mehta to work closely with the Directorate General of Trade Organizations, chambers of commerce and trade associations to maximize the effectiveness of the programme. He assured the delegation that the Ministry of Commerce would facilitate its introduction to Pakistan’s business community at large.
The Minister also requested Mehta to maintain regular engagement with the Ministry and explore areas of common interest such as digital skills, capacity building of small and medium enterprises, and digital literacy. He pointed out that Pakistan has already initiated digital partnerships with major global technology companies such as Alibaba and Google.
