Pakistan is eyeing a massive expansion of its e-commerce market to $20 billion by 2030, seeking a pivotal partnership with tech giant Meta to leverage artificial intelligence and bolster its rapidly growing digital economy, officials confirmed following a high-level meeting.
A delegation from Meta, headed by Mr. Rafael Frankel, Director for Public Policy in South Asia, met with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to discuss deepening cooperation in digital trade, e-commerce, and AI. The Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Rana Ihsaan Afzal, was also present, according to an official report today.
Minister Khan welcomed the delegation and appreciated Meta”s ongoing support for Pakistan”s digital transformation. He highlighted that the nation”s digital economy is among the most rapidly expanding in South Asia, fueled by a large youth population and a strong IT talent base that produces over 75,000 graduates annually.
Detailing the sector”s impressive performance, the minister shared that Pakistan”s IT and ITeS exports climbed by 18% in fiscal year 2025 to reach $3.8 billion. The growth continued into the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, with exports hitting $1.06 billion, a substantial 21% year-on-year increase.
He informed the Meta representatives that the National E-Commerce Policy 2.0 (2025-2030) is nearing finalization. The policy is designed to achieve the ambitious $20 billion market target by focusing on the digitization of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), enhancing logistics, and facilitating cross-border trade.
The minister extended an invitation for Meta to collaborate through the Ministry’s IT Sectoral Council on key areas such as AI ethics, digital safety, and establishing e-commerce standards. He also pointed to Pakistan”s leadership in regional trade forums where secure data flows are a primary agenda item.
Underlining recent advancements in AI governance, Khan mentioned the National AI Policy 2025 and the Digital National Pakistan (DNP) Act 2025, which aim for ethical and inclusive AI adoption. He proposed that Meta partner with Pakistan on AI skilling programs for youth and explore a joint E-Commerce Accelerator Pilot to nurture digital entrepreneurship.
Mr. Frankel commended Pakistan”s progress in its digital evolution and expressed Meta”s keen interest in expanding cooperation in AI-driven innovation and skills development. He reiterated Meta”s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and small businesses through programs like Meta Boost, which concentrates on digital skills and online safety.
The dialogue concluded with both sides agreeing to work closely to promote innovation and economic empowerment through technology, reaffirming their mutual dedication to a long-term partnership.