ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has signed a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and a major framework agreement with China’s Alibaba Group, marking a significant step toward strengthening digital cooperation and expanding bilateral economic ties.
The MoUs were exchanged during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Alibaba’s Headquarters in Hangzhou on Sunday, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group Joe Tsai welcomed the Prime Minister and his delegation at the Headquarters.
He said that the signing of various MoUs and the large framework agreement would provide a strong foundation for the group and the Government of Pakistan to work together for the benefit of the people of both countries, as well as the wider world.
The Executive Chairman further stated that his group possesses world-leading, cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology in medical imaging, particularly for cancer detection.
Several MoUs and agreements were signed between Alibaba Group and Pakistani public and private sector entities during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Headquarters of Alibaba Group in Hangzhou today @PakPMO @CMShehbaz @PakinChina_ #PMShehbazinChina #RadioPakistan #News… pic.twitter.com/pCNrLeaq50
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 24, 2026
He added that the group is prepared to introduce this technology in Pakistan under an MoU, referred to as “Sky 47”.
He also noted that Alibaba could train Pakistani engineers to deploy open-source AI models on sovereign infrastructure, ensuring that data privacy and security remain fully protected within data centres in Pakistan.
Joe Tsai further said that Alibaba Group plans to launch a buy-now-pay-later platform on Daraz.
The understanding reflects the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and China under the framework of the “Iron Brothers” relationship and the Belt and Road Initiative.
It acknowledges a shared commitment to accelerating Pakistan’s digital economy, enhancing industrial capacity through artificial intelligence, modernising cross-border trade, and improving public health outcomes through technological innovation and agriculture.
Citing Article 1 of the agreement, the Executive Chairman said it focuses on AI cloud and ecosystem development, open-source large language models, and digital infrastructure.
Article 2 pertains to digital trade and SME empowerment, including global market access, digitisation of small businesses, and trade facilitation.
Article 3 covers financial technology and financial inclusion, including digital payments, credit scoring, buy-now-pay-later frameworks, and financial literacy initiatives.
Article 4 focuses on healthcare and smart hospitals, incorporating AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine services, and improvements to pharmaceutical supply chains.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Alibaba Group for its cooperation with the Government of Pakistan and its direct engagement with private sector companies in the country.
He described this collaboration as highly valuable, particularly for the health, education, and financial sectors.
The prime minister said the historic agreement signed between Pakistan and Alibaba Group would significantly benefit the people of Pakistan, especially the youth, farmers, educationists, doctors, revenue officials, industrialists, and traders.
He added that it would not only transform the IT sector but also bring wider changes across society, industry, culture, healthcare, and education.
