Several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements were signed between Alibaba Group and Pakistani public and private sector entities.

The MoUs were signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the headquarters of Alibaba Group in Hangzhou.

These MoUs aim at accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation and technological advancement in partnership with Alibaba Group.

On the special initiative of the Prime Minister, Chairman Joe Tsai agreed to sign a comprehensive strategic framework agreement between the Government of Pakistan and Alibaba Group. The framework aims to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation through initiatives in AI, cloud solutions, digital trade, SME empowerment, fintech, and healthcare innovation.

During the meeting, Chairman Joe Tsai appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and efforts for regional and global peace and stability. He acknowledged the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to digital transformation, technological innovation, and creating an enabling environment for international investment in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s vast potential in the digital economy, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, fintech, cloud computing, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship. He underscored the Government’s firm resolve to empower Pakistani youth through technology, skills development, and global partnerships.

Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Alibaba’s long-term commitment to partnering with Pakistan and termed the signing of this partnership as an important milestone in strengthening Pakistan–China economic and technological cooperation.

The agreements and MoUs signed during the visit include:

AI and Cloud Solutions: Pakistan’s Ignite and Alibaba Cloud will collaborate to develop localized AI models for Urdu and regional languages, launch nationwide skills development programmes for 500,000 individuals, and co-host AI hackathons and innovation initiatives.

Healthcare Technology and Embodied Intelligence: DAMO Academy and Sky 47 will deploy AI-powered disease screening systems across major Pakistani cities, while DAMO Academy and Ignite will jointly develop embodied intelligence capacity-building programmes at Pakistani universities.

SME Growth and E-Commerce Expansion: Alibaba and SMEDA will onboard at least 2,000 Pakistani SMEs to a dedicated “Pakistan Pavilion,” enabling them to benefit from AI-powered business tools and enhanced access to international markets.

Financial Inclusion: Koko Tech will introduce a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution in Pakistan supported by an initial investment of three million dollars to promote financial inclusion and digital commerce.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that these agreements would open new avenues for investment, innovation, employment generation, and technological cooperation between Pakistan and China, while positioning Pakistan as an emerging regional hub for the digital economy.

Earlier, upon arrival at the headquarters of Alibaba Group, Chairman Joe Tsai warmly received the Prime Minister.

Senior ministers and officials of the Government of Pakistan and top executives of Alibaba Group were also present.