ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif this week ordered government ministries to finalize preparatory steps for collaborations with China’s Alibaba Group by November. The directive aims to harness artificial intelligence and digital technologies to boost exports and enhance public services.
This partnership broadens Pakistan’s technology engagement with China, extending beyond the existing energy and transport infrastructure cooperation. During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Alibaba’s headquarters in Hangzhou in May, agreements were signed to drive digital transformation and assist at least 2,000 small and medium enterprises in reaching global markets.
The collaboration is seen as a strategic avenue for Pakistan to expand export volumes and streamline administrative processes. However, the initiatives are at varying stages of implementation, with certain systems already operational while others remain under development or in pilot phases.
“The Prime Minister instructed the relevant ministries to complete all required actions by next month and submit a report,” Radio Pakistan reported on Wednesday.
Sharif also emphasized that Alibaba projects should feature clear objectives, defined timelines, and robust monitoring mechanisms to guarantee concrete outcomes, the report added.
The review encompassed export platforms, agricultural technology, tax administration, health‑care services, and the monitoring of petroleum supply chains.
Officials informed the prime minister that digital verification of trade documents via the Pakistan Single Window system is now operational, and a dedicated Pakistan Pavilion has been launched on Alibaba’s platform to showcase Pakistani products.
Additionally, a two‑year program co‑ordinated by Alibaba and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority is being rolled out to offer businesses training, e‑commerce opportunities, and access to international markets, Radio Pakistan reported.
Sharif also called for accelerated implementation of a 15‑day artificial‑intelligence training course for IT graduates, delivered through the government’s Ignite initiative.
In the health‑care sector, officials examined a proposed pilot for AI‑assisted cancer diagnosis. The report also noted that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority is receiving AI and business‑intelligence tools to analyze fuel‑supply‑chain data, and work is progressing on agricultural AI models and digital platforms aimed at facilitating citrus and olive exports.
