ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has set a November deadline for advancing artificial intelligence and digital trade projects with China’s Alibaba Group, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls on government ministries to accelerate work on technology initiatives across key sectors of the economy.
During a meeting in Islamabad on October 28, Sharif directed relevant ministries to complete the necessary measures by next month and submit progress reports, according to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan.
The prime minister called for clear targets, defined timelines and effective monitoring to ensure that cooperation with Alibaba produces tangible results.
The partnership covers digital trade, exports, agriculture, health care, taxation and petroleum supply-chain management.
Digital Trade and Export Opportunities
Officials informed the meeting that digital verification of trade documents through Pakistan Single Window had become operational, while a dedicated Pakistan Pavilion had been established on Alibaba’s platform to promote Pakistani products internationally.
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A two-year programme involving Alibaba and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) is also being launched to help at least 2,000 Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises access international markets through training and e-commerce opportunities.
The initiatives follow agreements reached during Sharif’s visit to Alibaba’s headquarters in Hangzhou in May.
AI Training and Healthcare Initiatives
Sharif also directed authorities to accelerate a 15-day artificial intelligence training programme for IT graduates through the government’s Ignite initiative.
In the healthcare sector, officials reviewed a proposed pilot project using AI-assisted technology for cancer diagnosis.
Other initiatives include providing the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority with artificial intelligence and business intelligence tools to analyse fuel supply-chain data.
Work is also under way on agricultural AI models and digital platforms intended to facilitate citrus and olive exports.
Focus on Implementation
The projects represent an expansion of Pakistan’s technological cooperation with China beyond traditional infrastructure and energy partnerships.
However, while some initiatives have become operational, others remain under development or at the proposed pilot stage.
The November deadline is intended to accelerate implementation and establish measurable progress across the different projects.
