Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can now get training, help joining a global business-to-business marketplace, and reimbursement-based financial support of up to Rs150,000 under a new partnership between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and Alibaba.com, announced on October 30, 2026.
What happened?
SMEDA, operating under the Ministry of Industries and Production, has signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Alibaba.com aimed at strengthening the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), improving their export readiness and giving them access to international buyers through the global e-commerce platform.
Key details
- Under the programme, SMEDA and Alibaba.com will run capacity-building and digital onboarding activities to train 10,000 Pakistani MSMEs in digital commerce, international trade and export opportunities.
- Up to 2,000 eligible businesses will be facilitated in joining Alibaba.com’s global business-to-business (B2B) platform.
- SMEDA will offer reimbursement-based financial assistance of up to Rs150,000 for each eligible MSME, along with preferential platform pricing and guidance on establishing an international business presence.
- Priority will be given to export-oriented sectors, including sports goods and sportswear, textiles, agricultural machinery and automobile parts.
- The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed between SMEDA and Alibaba.com in May 2026 during the Prime Minister’s visit to China.
- Interested businesses can register through SMEDA’s online portal to explore the support and take part in the initiative.
What it means for people in Pakistan
For small workshops, food producers, textile makers and craft businesses that have so far sold only locally, the programme offers a practical route to foreign buyers without having to navigate an international marketplace alone. Training for 10,000 businesses and onboarding support for 2,000 of them could help turn small local producers into exporters, bringing in new orders and income — provided businesses check their eligibility and register through SMEDA’s portal.
Source: https://pkrevenue.com/smeda-alibaba-partnership-pakistan-sme-exports/
