LAHORE – Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has emphasized that the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is essential for enhancing Pakistan’s economic competitiveness, promoting entrepreneurship, and expanding access to domestic and international markets.
The recommendations were shared during a think tank session held at the PCJCCI Secretariat.
PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain stated that Pakistan’s SME sector is entering a new phase where digitalization, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and smart business solutions must become integral components of national industrial policy.
He stressed that small industries, cottage enterprises, startups, retailers, and micro-businesses collectively represent the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and deserve greater institutional support. He observed that with the rapid growth of digital trade under the second phase of CPEC and expanding Pakistan-China business cooperation, SMEs must be equipped with modern technologies, digital payment systems, online marketplaces, and innovation-driven business models.
Digital transformation is no longer an option but an economic necessity. By empowering our small industries with technology, digital skills, and market connectivity, Pakistan can significantly enhance productivity, generate employment opportunities, and increase exports, he remarked.
Amir Ali, Vice President PCJCCI stressed that Pakistan’s trade policy should equally prioritize domestic commerce alongside exports. He said a thriving local market serves as the foundation for sustainable export growth, as businesses first establish themselves domestically before entering international markets. He noted that sectors including retail and wholesale trade, hospitality, logistics, construction, financial services, and small manufacturing employ millions of Pakistanis and therefore require greater access to digital infrastructure, affordable financing, skill development, and business facilitation.
Adeel Munawar, Commercial Ambassador, said that Pakistan possesses enormous untapped entrepreneurial potential that can only be unlocked through innovation-friendly policies and digital inclusion. He suggested developing modern commercial zones, smart marketplaces, digital business incubation centers, and technology-enabled bazaars that would support startups, youth entrepreneurs, women-led businesses, and cottage industries. He further stated that several Asian economies, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, successfully transformed their urban commercial sectors by integrating traditional markets with digital commerce, tourism, and innovation ecosystems. Pakistan can adopt similar best practices while tailoring them to local economic realities.
Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI emphasized that neighborhood markets remain vital testing grounds where entrepreneurs refine products, establish brands, and build customer confidence before scaling into regional and global markets. He added that strengthening digital access for these businesses would accelerate Pakistan’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy.
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