Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb meets Alibaba International Digital Commerce leadership in Bangkok to explore cooperation on Pakistan’s digital economy, SME development and agricultural exports.
Pakistan and Alibaba International Digital Commerce (AIDC) have discussed expanding cooperation in digital payments, e-commerce taxation, export promotion and technology infrastructure during a meeting on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met AIDC leadership to review opportunities for strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy and improving the environment for online businesses and exporters.
The discussions covered the promotion of a cashless economy, transparent delivery of social protection payments and targeted subsidies, and measures to improve digital financial services.
Aurangzeb appreciated Alibaba’s support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), local brands and exporters through its platforms, including Daraz and Alibaba.com.
He also invited proposals to rationalise e-commerce taxation, with the aim of balancing tax fairness with broader participation in the tax system.
Pakistan Single Window and cross-border payments
Both sides discussed accelerating the Pakistan Single Window e-commerce platform and improving the tracking of cross-border payments and export proceeds.
Improved tracking could support greater transparency in international transactions and help authorities monitor export receipts more effectively.
The meeting also reviewed potential cooperation in cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside the use of technology to strengthen tax administration.
The discussions emphasised integrated data systems, cybersecurity and institutional capacity as important elements in developing secure and efficient digital services.
Pakistan Post modernisation and agricultural exports
The two sides also explored opportunities to modernise Pakistan Post’s sorting systems, potentially improving the handling and processing of parcels as e-commerce activity expands.
Another area of discussion was the promotion of Pakistani agricultural exports to China through Alibaba’s retail network.
The proposed cooperation could provide local agricultural producers with additional opportunities to reach overseas consumers and expand their presence in international markets.
The meeting reflects Pakistan’s broader efforts to strengthen its digital economy, expand export opportunities and improve the delivery of public services through technology.
However, the discussions focused on exploring areas of cooperation, and no specific agreements or implementation timelines were announced in the information provided.