The federal government continued its pre-budget consultations with key industry stakeholders as Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani chaired a meeting with representatives of Daraz and Alibaba Group to discuss the future of Pakistan’s e-commerce sector.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Finance, was attended by Daraz Group Chief Commercial Officer Ben Yi, Director Corporate Affairs Kamran Pervaiz, Director Government Affairs Umar Usmani, and senior officials from the Finance Ministry, including representatives of the Tax Policy Office (TPO).
Discussions focused on the rapidly evolving digital commerce landscape in Pakistan and the role of online platforms in supporting entrepreneurship, expanding market access, improving economic documentation, and accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
Representatives of Daraz and Alibaba shared proposals related to the regulatory environment, business facilitation, compliance mechanisms, and the continued growth of e-commerce in Pakistan. Participants also discussed opportunities and challenges facing the sector, as well as its contribution to innovation, formalization, and economic growth.
During the meeting, Bilal Azhar Kayani emphasized that all proposals being considered for the Federal Budget 2026-27 are being evaluated in line with the government’s broader fiscal and economic objectives.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining a balanced policy framework that encourages investment, supports innovation, promotes economic activity, and ensures sustainable growth.
The minister appreciated the private sector’s constructive input and highlighted the importance of continued engagement with stakeholders during the policymaking process. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive consultations and evidence-based decision-making.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing on the need for continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy, improve the business environment, and support long-term economic development.
