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Alibaba.com has presented AI-powered solutions to help Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) enter global markets by selling their products in innovative ways.

A high-level delegation from Alibaba.com recently visited the country, led by Shawn Yang, General Manager of the Asia-Pacific region. Mr Yang also represented Alibaba.com during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Alibaba Group’s headquarters in Hangzhou, China.

The key purpose of the visit was to develop the capacity of the relevant government departments and the private sector in Pakistan to compete with countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India in exports and manufacturing. The purpose of meetings with authorities and stakeholders was to discuss focus areas to help Pakistan become more competitive in the global digital trade ecosystem.

Speaking to Dawn, Mr Yang emphasised that every country tends to develop its own export niches, noting that Pakistan already has identifiable strengths in sectors such as apparel, leather goods, sports equipment, and medical instruments. “What we have suggested is that Pakistan should further promote its SME sector, and Alibaba.com will help provide global outreach for their products,” he said.