Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on a visit to China toured the Alibaba Group headquarters in Hangzhou, where he was warmly received by Chairman Joe Tsai. Senior Pakistani ministers and top officials from both Pakistan and Alibaba Group were present on the occasion.
During the meeting, Chairman Joe Tsai appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting peace and stability in the region and globally. He also commended the government’s focus on creating a conducive environment for digital transformation, technological innovation and attracting international investment in Pakistan.
The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s strong potential in emerging sectors including the digital economy, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, fintech, cloud computing and innovative entrepreneurship. He reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering youth through technology, skills development and global partnerships.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chairman Joe Tsai witnessed the signing and exchange of multiple strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Alibaba Group and various public and private sector organizations of Pakistan. The agreements aim to accelerate digital transformation and technological advancement in the country.
At the Prime Minister’s initiative, a comprehensive strategic framework agreement between the Government of Pakistan and Alibaba Group was also finalized and signed. The framework focuses on strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital commerce, fintech, healthcare innovation and support for small and medium enterprises.
According to details, under the artificial intelligence and cloud solutions initiative, Pakistani institutions including Ignite and Alibaba Cloud will collaborate to develop Urdu and regional language AI models. The program also includes nationwide training initiatives targeting 500,000 individuals, along with AI hackathons and innovation challenges.
In the health technology sector, DAMO Academy and Sky47 will introduce AI-based disease diagnosis systems in Pakistani cities, while DAMO Academy and Ignite will work together on embedded intelligence programs in universities.
For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Alibaba and SMEDA will support the inclusion of at least 2,000 Pakistani SMEs in a dedicated “Pakistan Pavilion,” providing AI-based business tools and improved access to global markets.
In addition, KOKO Tech will launch a “Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)” service in Pakistan with an initial investment of US$3 million to promote financial inclusion and expand digital commerce.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that these agreements will open new avenues for investment, innovation, employment, and technical cooperation, while positioning Pakistan as an emerging regional hub for the digital economy.