Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the headquarters of Alibaba Group in Hangzhou, where he was warmly received by Chairman Joe Tsai. Senior Pakistani ministers and top executives from Alibaba also attended the high-level meeting focused on strengthening digital cooperation between Pakistan and China.
During the visit, Chairman Joe Tsai appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional peace, digital transformation, and a stable environment for foreign investment. He also acknowledged the government’s focus on innovation and technological development as key drivers of future economic growth.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s growing potential in areas such as e-commerce, artificial intelligence, fintech, cloud computing, and digital entrepreneurship. He emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering youth through advanced skills training, modern technology, and international partnerships.
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On the occasion, both sides witnessed the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation. A key highlight was the strategic framework agreement between the Government of Pakistan and Alibaba Group to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, cloud services, SME development, fintech solutions, and healthcare innovation.
Under the agreements, Pakistan’s Ignite and Alibaba Cloud will work on Urdu-language AI models, train 500,000 individuals in digital skills, and promote innovation through hackathons. In healthcare, AI-based disease screening systems will be introduced in major cities, while universities will receive support for advanced technology training.
For SMEs, a dedicated “Pakistan Pavilion” will help at least 2,000 businesses access global markets through Alibaba’s platform. Additionally, fintech company Koko Tech will introduce a Buy Now, Pay Later service in Pakistan to promote financial inclusion.
The Prime Minister termed the agreements a major milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy and long-term technological partnership with China.
