Finance ministry seeks industry input on e-commerce growth, regulation and digital transformation before FY2026-27 budget
The government on Friday held consultations with leading e-commerce stakeholders, including representatives of Daraz and Alibaba Group, as part of efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy and support the growth of the country’s rapidly expanding online commerce sector ahead of the Federal Budget for FY2026-27.
Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani chaired the consultative meeting, which formed part of the government’s broader stakeholder engagement process aimed at gathering recommendations from key industries before finalising budgetary measures.
According to an official statement, the delegation included senior executives from Daraz Group, including Ben Yi, along with corporate affairs and government relations representatives. Officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Tax Policy Office also participated in the discussions.
The meeting focused on Pakistan’s evolving e-commerce landscape and the growing contribution of digital platforms to entrepreneurship, market expansion, business documentation and economic modernisation. Participants reviewed the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and discussed measures to support sustainable growth in digital commerce.
Representatives of Daraz and Alibaba shared recommendations on regulatory reforms, business facilitation, compliance requirements and policies aimed at encouraging investment and innovation within Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. They also highlighted the role of online marketplaces in improving access to consumers, supporting small businesses and promoting financial inclusion.
During the discussions, Bilal Azhar Kayani said that all proposals under consideration for the upcoming federal budget were being evaluated in line with the government’s broader fiscal and economic objectives. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining a balanced policy framework that supports economic activity while encouraging innovation and investment.
The minister appreciated the constructive input provided by the delegation and underscored the importance of continued engagement with industry stakeholders during the policymaking process. He said the government remained committed to a consultative and inclusive approach to economic decision-making.
Participants agreed on the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance Pakistan’s digital economy, improve the business environment and support long-term economic growth.
The consultation comes as policymakers increasingly view e-commerce and digital services as important drivers of economic documentation, employment generation and export growth. Industry stakeholders are closely watching the FY2026-27 budget for measures that could influence taxation, digital payments, logistics and the broader regulatory framework governing online businesses.
