Ali Baba’s delegation today met with Minister for Commerce, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan.

High ups from Ali Baba Group are on a two day visit to Pakistan to discuss and explore investment opportunities in the country. Delegation is lead by Mr. Michael Evans, President Alibaba Group.

Mr. Michael Evans, president of Alibaba group — during the meeting — appreciated the government of Pakistan for its hospitality and warm welcome.

“Alibaba is interested in starting its operations in Pakistan and to tap in to this high potential market”, said the president of Ali Baba.

He further said that Alibaba can offer its services in connecting the consumer and businesses of Pakistan with the world and this will not only result in endless opportunities for the Small and Medium Enterprises but also in creation of millions of jobs.

Alibaba is a Chinese e-commerce company that provides consumer-to-consumer, business-to-consumer and busi ness-to-business sales services via web portals.

It also provides electronic payment services, a shopping search engine and data-centric cloud computing services.

Engr.K hurram Dastgir, during the meting, told the visiting officials that Alibaba can become an important part of the Pakistan’s digital economy and can play a significant role in its growth in decades to come.

He said that Government of Pakistan welcomes Alibaba Group to Pakistan and will extend full support and facilitation.

Welcoming the President of Alibaba Group, the minister said that Pakistan is pleased to have this opportunity to exchange views on E-Commerce with Alibaba Group.

Khurram Dastgir Khan said that E-Commerce is still in its infancy in Pakistan compared to the global trends but it is rising very fast as this sector is doubling in size with every passing year.

He further said that this sector may surpass $1 billion in 2020 due to exponential growth in mobile broadband access. Pakistan is leading in mobile banking transactions in South Asia with 11% of citizens using Mobile Phones for financial transactions and Pakistan’s e-commerce industry is estimated at $100 million with about 30 million internet users.

Mr. Khurram Dastgir khan also informed the Participants that cognizant of the global developments in digital trade and e-commerce, Ministry of Commerce is working on a Policy Framework for development of E-Commerce/digital trade in the country.

Later on the secretary finance, chairman BOI and other distinguished participants shared their views followed by detailed question and answer session between Michael Evans and other participants.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary Commerce, Secretary Finance, Secretary and Chairman Board of Investment, representatives from FBR, State Bank and Commercial Banks and other relevant government departments.