Alibaba sees CPEC 2.0 boosting trade

With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and competitive manufacturing capabilities, Pakistan can compete more effectively in international markets by simplifying export procedures, ensuring predictable taxation policies and improving the ease of doing business.

In an exclusive interview, Shawn Yang, General Manager of Asia Pacific at Alibaba.com, said the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0) presents an opportunity to strengthen Pakistan's manufacturing and export ecosystem. Beyond infrastructure, the initiative could accelerate industrial collaboration, improve logistics and reduce trade costs, making Pakistani exporters more competitive in global markets.

He said Pakistan's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have significant opportunities to expand globally if supported by a more enabling business environment and the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

He noted that digital trade is rapidly reshaping global commerce, allowing businesses of all sizes to access international buyers without the traditional barriers of physical presence or large-scale distribution networks.

"Combined with digital trade platforms, improved connectivity can enable manufacturers to reach buyers in more than 200 countries and regions with greater efficiency," he observed.

Yang believes artificial intelligence is becoming one of the biggest enablers of international trade for SMEs. Alibaba.com's AI-powered tools help businesses generate product listings, communicate across languages, create marketing content and respond to overseas buyers more efficiently.

"AI is making global trade more accessible. For smaller businesses with limited resources, these tools reduce operational costs while allowing them to compete with much larger companies," he explained.

Despite Pakistan's export potential, Yang acknowledged that many businesses still face obstacles, including limited digital capabilities, lack of market knowledge, logistics challenges and difficulties in building trust with overseas buyers. He stressed that investing in digital skills, improving product quality, adopting international standards and leveraging trusted B2B platforms can significantly improve export readiness.

Among Pakistan's strongest export sectors, Yang highlighted textiles and apparel, sports goods, surgical instruments, leather products, home textiles, furniture, food and agricultural products, as well as value-added manufacturing.

"Global buyers are looking for reliable suppliers, and Pakistani businesses have the capability to meet that demand," he said.

For entrepreneurs entering export markets for the first time, Yang advised focusing on quality, building a professional digital presence, creating compelling product listings and responding consistently to buyer inquiries.

"Export success doesn't happen overnight. Consistency, credibility and long-term relationship building are the foundations of sustainable international business," he remarked.

Yang also believes AI will fundamentally transform every stage of B2B trade – from product discovery and customer engagement to marketing and decision-making.

"Businesses that embrace AI today will be better positioned to compete tomorrow. Digital transformation is no longer optional; it is becoming a business necessity."

Global sourcing trends are also creating new opportunities for Pakistan. As international buyers diversify their supply chains, they are increasingly seeking dependable manufacturing partners while placing greater emphasis on quality, sustainability, certifications and timely delivery.

Yang said Alibaba.com is committed to helping Pakistani businesses access millions of international buyers through its global B2B marketplace by providing AI-powered business tools, verified buyer programmes, secure communication channels and educational resources that simplify international trade. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in Pakistan's long-term prospects.

"Pakistan has the talent, industrial capability and entrepreneurial energy to become one of the region's leading digital export economies. If businesses continue investing in innovation, quality and digital transformation, the next five years could mark a significant shift in Pakistan's position within global trade."

As global commerce increasingly moves online, experts believe Pakistan's ability to embrace digital trade and empower its SMEs will determine whether it can unlock the full potential of its export economy in the years ahead.