ISLAMABAD – Meta is exploring partnership opportunities with Pakistan in digital trade, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence (AI). Rafael Frankel, Meta’s Director for Public Policy in South Asia, led a delegation that met Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan. The discussion focused on boosting Pakistan’s digital economy and supporting its growing IT sector. Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, also attended the meeting.
Minister Khan highlighted Pakistan’s rapid digital transformation, driven by its young population, expanding connectivity, and skilled IT workforce. He noted that Pakistan’s IT and ITeS exports grew 18% in FY2025, reaching $3.8 billion, with a 21% rise in the first quarter of FY2026. The minister also detailed the National E-Commerce Policy 2.0, aimed at growing Pakistan’s e-commerce market to $20 billion by 2030.
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The policy focuses on digitizing MSMEs, improving logistics, and facilitating cross-border trade. Khan emphasized Pakistan’s leadership in regional forums like the SCO E-Commerce Cooperation Program, promoting digital trade and secure data flows. He invited Meta to collaborate on AI ethics, digital safety, and e-commerce standards through the Ministry’s IT Sectoral Council.
Frankel expressed Meta’s interest in supporting AI-driven innovation and skills development for Pakistani SMEs. He reaffirmed Meta’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs through programs like Meta Boost, which provides digital skills training, responsible marketing guidance, and online safety education. Both sides agreed that collaboration could strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and promote inclusive economic growth.
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The meeting concluded with plans to continue joint efforts in innovation, ethical AI adoption, and SME support. Officials said the partnership could help Pakistan become a regional hub for digital trade and AI-powered services. Both parties emphasized building a safe, innovative, and sustainable online environment for businesses and consumers.