Pakistan has invited Meta to maintain regular engagement with the country. The two sides could cooperate on digital skills, SME capacity building and digital literacy. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan made the offer during a meeting on Thursday. Tehara Punchihewa, Asia-Pacific Public Policy, led the delegation, while Vivian Liang, Policy Programs Manager for Asia-Pacific, also attended.
The talks focused on Meta’s role in Pakistan’s digital economy agenda. Khan welcomed the company’s plan to train 1,000 Pakistani SMEs in digital business and artificial intelligence. He said the Commerce Ministry would connect the programme with business institutions nationwide.
Free Training for 1,000 SMEs
“The Meta delegation presented its Small Business Growth Academy, a program that will train 1,000 SMEs across Pakistan between August and November 2026 on Meta’s digital platforms, AI-powered business tools and online marketing strategies.
The program will be implemented by local partner AtomCamp across Pakistan, with participation offered free of cost,” the press release said.
The academy will combine physical and online sessions. It aims to improve digital skills and widen market access. The programme will also support women entrepreneurs and businesses in smaller cities. Officials said firms could use the training to improve online marketing and adopt AI-powered tools.
Khan urged Meta to coordinate with the Directorate General of Trade Organizations. He also named chambers of commerce, trade associations and other business bodies as potential partners. He said these links would broaden participation and increase the programme’s impact. The ministry will facilitate introductions across Pakistan’s business community.
Digital Trade and AI Agenda
“Government is placing digitisation at the centre of its reform agenda, with digital transformation being pursued across ministries and public institutions to improve governance, service delivery and economic competitiveness,” Khan said.
He told the delegation that Pakistan was finalising a comprehensive E-Commerce Policy. He said broader work on an Artificial Intelligence Policy was also underway. The effort seeks to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven growth.
Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved the National AI Policy 2025 in July last year. The framework promotes responsible, inclusive and innovative AI adoption.
“AI should not only be viewed as a conversational tool but as a technology capable of improving policy analysis, data-driven decision-making, business intelligence and public sector efficiency,” Khan said.
He added that Pakistan increasingly focuses on digital trade and e-commerce to expand exports. The government also wants technology to improve market intelligence and strengthen links with international markets through trade missions.
Pakistan has already initiated digital partnerships with Alibaba and Google, Khan noted. He welcomed further engagement with Meta to support the country’s digital economy.
The Meta representatives thanked the minister for supporting the Small Business Growth Academy. They welcomed connections with the DGTO and other stakeholders to extend the programme’s reach. Pakistan and Meta also discussed AI innovation, SME support and digital safety at an earlier meeting in 2025.
