WNAM REPORT: A delegation from Meta, led by Mr. Rafael Frankel, Director for Public Policy (South Asia), called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan at the Ministry of Commerce in Islamabad to discuss cooperation in digital trade, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence (AI). Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Rana Ihsaan Afzal, was also present in the meeting.
Welcoming the delegation, Jam Kamal Khan appreciated Meta’s partnership in supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation.
He highlighted that Pakistan’s digital economy is among the fastest-growing in South Asia, powered by a youthful population, growing connectivity, and a strong IT talent base producing over 75,000 graduates annually.
The Minister informed the delegation on the Ministry’s initiatives to strengthen e-commerce, promote IT exports, and integrate AI into the national economy.
He said that Pakistan’s IT and ITeS exports rose by 18% in FY2025 to $3.8 billion, while in the first quarter of FY2026, exports reached $1.06 billion, marking a 21% year-on-year increase.
He shared that the National E-Commerce Policy 2.0 (2025–2030) is being finalized to expand Pakistan’s e-commerce market to $20 billion by 2030, with a focus on MSME digitization, logistics improvement, and cross-border trade facilitation.
The Minister also discussed Pakistan’s leadership in regional trade forums such as the SCO E-Commerce Cooperation Program and MPCEPA, where digital trade and secure data flows are key agenda items.
He invited Meta to collaborate through the Ministry’s IT Sectoral Council on areas such as AI ethics, digital safety, and e-commerce standards.
Jam Kamal Khan further underlined Pakistan’s recent advancements in AI policy and governance, including the National AI Policy 2025, the Uraan Pakistan initiative, and the Digital National Pakistan (DNP) Act 2025, which together aim to promote ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI adoption to support SMEs and exports.
He invited Meta to partner with Pakistan in AI skilling programs targeting youth, and to explore a Meta–Pakistan E-Commerce Accelerator Pilot to strengthen digital entrepreneurship.
Mr. Rafael Frankel commended Pakistan’s progress in digital transformation and expressed Meta’s keen interest in expanding collaboration in AI-driven digital innovation, skills development, and SME support. He reiterated Meta’s commitment to empowering Pakistani entrepreneurs and small businesses through programs such as Meta Boost, focusing on digital skills, responsible marketing, and online safety.
Both sides agreed to continue working closely to promote innovation, safe online practices, and economic empowerment through technology. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of mutual commitment to a long-term partnership advancing Pakistan’s digital economy.
