ISLAMABAD: Alibaba, a leading global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform, has announced the launch of its Trade Assurance service in Pakistan, aimed at enabling local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to trade with greater confidence on the international stage. With this launch, Pakistan joins a select group of markets where Alibaba offers this valuable service to suppliers.
The announcement was made during the 2025 Alibaba Pakistan Supplier Export Summit, held in Sialkot, a city renowned for its industrial excellence. The summit highlighted the immense growth opportunities and emerging trends in the global apparel industry, which is projected to reach a market size of $1.79 trillion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81% from 2024 to 2028.
“Alibaba’s decision to hold the Pakistan Supplier Export Summit in Sialkot underscores the city’s industrial significance and potential,” said Ikram Ul Haq, President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This event has provided immense value to our local businesses by connecting them with global opportunities and introducing the tools needed to succeed in international markets. Initiatives like this reflect Alibaba’s commitment to supporting Sialkot’s SMEs to thrive globally.”
Global B2B trade often faces challenges such as cost concerns, product quality issues, and shipment delays. Alibaba’s Trade Assurance service alleviates these risks by offering comprehensive order protection, providing both suppliers and buyers with peace of mind. This service ensures that payments are held in escrow by Alibaba until buyers confirm satisfactory receipt of orders. This builds trust between global buyers and Pakistani suppliers, streamlining transactions and enhancing confidence.
“Pakistan is a high-potential supplier market for Alibaba, with strong production capabilities and a diverse range of products that attract global buyers,” said Roger Luo, Head of Southeast Asia at Alibaba. “Through Trade Assurance, we aim to foster trust and efficiency, unlocking new business opportunities for Pakistani suppliers and supporting their growth in international markets.”
Suppliers stand to benefit significantly, as the service enhances buyer trust and helps them establish a strong online transaction history, boosting their visibility on Alibaba’s platform. “Trust is the foundation of success in international trade,” said Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear, a Sialkot-based verified supplier specializing in custom apparel. “Trade Assurance bridges the trust gap by offering payment protection and transparent processes, encouraging buyers to place large orders.” In 2023, Hussnain’s company secured over $1 million in orders through Alibaba.
Summer Gao, Head of Global Supply Chain Services at Alibaba, emphasized the potential impact of Trade Assurance: “This service will enable Pakistani SMEs to build robust transaction histories, enhance their credit ratings, and strengthen their reputations with global buyers, reducing trade barriers and opening pathways for growth.”
The 2025 summit brought together over 500 SME representatives from Sialkot, exploring emerging business trends and digital solutions to enhance their global competitiveness. Recognizing Pakistan’s strong apparel sector, Alibaba has introduced tailored services to bolster local clothing suppliers. These services aim to maximize growth potential by improving product visibility and facilitating connections with international buyers, strengthening Pakistan’s presence in the global market.