Meta is exploring potential partnership opportunities with Pakistan in the fields of digital trade, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence (AI). The discussion, led by Rafael Frankel, Director for Public Policy (South Asia) at Meta, was held during a meeting with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan in Islamabad.
The meeting, also attended by Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, focused on advancing Pakistan’s digital economy.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the Meta delegation and highlighted the country’s rapid progress in digital transformation, driven by its young population, expanding connectivity, and a growing IT talent pool.
He noted that Pakistan’s IT and ITeS exports had risen by 18% in FY2025, reaching $3.8 billion, with a 21% increase in the first quarter of FY2026.
The Minister also shared details of Pakistan’s National E-Commerce Policy 2.0, aimed at expanding the country’s e-commerce market to $20 billion by 2030. The policy will focus on digitizing MSMEs, improving logistics, and facilitating cross-border trade. Khan also emphasized Pakistan’s leadership in regional trade forums, such as the SCO E-Commerce Cooperation Program, where digital trade and secure data flows are key agenda points.
During the discussion, the Minister invited Meta to collaborate on areas like AI ethics, digital safety, and e-commerce standards through the Ministry’s IT Sectoral Council. He also discussed the government’s recent initiatives, including the National AI Policy 2025 and the Digital National Pakistan (DNP) Act 2025, which aim to foster ethical AI adoption and support SMEs.
Frankel expressed Meta’s interest in expanding its collaboration with Pakistan, particularly in AI-driven digital innovation and skills development for SMEs. He reaffirmed Meta’s commitment to empowering Pakistani entrepreneurs through programs like Meta Boost, focusing on digital skills, responsible marketing, and online safety.
Both parties agreed to continue their collaboration in promoting innovation and economic empowerment, with a focus on strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy and fostering a safe online environment.
