Public-Private Partnerships Drive Digital Economy Growth: ICCI

Urgent Call for Digital Transformation in Pakistan's E-Commerce Sector

The leadership of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has highlighted the pressing need to accelerate digital transformation as a key strategy to bolster the e-commerce sector and enhance the country's position in the global market. This call comes from prominent figures within the chamber, including President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, and Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry.

They pointed out that digital commerce is now a major catalyst for economic growth on a global scale. However, Pakistan's participation in the worldwide e-commerce economy remains significantly underdeveloped compared to its potential. The ICCI leaders believe that this gap can be bridged through targeted efforts and strategic interventions.

To address this, they have urged the government to implement policies that support the development of digital infrastructure. This includes improving internet connectivity across the country, ensuring the availability of secure and reliable payment gateways, and promoting financial inclusion. These steps are seen as essential for enabling more entrepreneurs, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to thrive in the digital space.

The youth of Pakistan, who constitute the majority of the population, are viewed as a vital resource in shaping the future of e-commerce. The ICCI leadership emphasized that with the right training and support, young people can drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital economy. They also called for expanded digital literacy programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to navigate and succeed in an increasingly digital world.

In addition to education and training, the ICCI leaders stressed the importance of improving logistics systems and streamlining regulations for online businesses. These measures are expected to create millions of job opportunities and facilitate greater exports by connecting local producers with international buyers.

President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi underscored the significance of collaboration between different sectors. He stated that a strong partnership between the government, private sector, and technology companies is crucial for unlocking Pakistan's digital economy. "If we invest in innovation and digital entrepreneurship today, we can transform Pakistan into a hub of regional e-commerce in the coming years," he remarked.

The ICCI leadership reaffirmed their dedication to working closely with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure that Pakistan keeps up with the rapid pace of the digital revolution. Their goal is to harness the full potential of the digital economy for sustainable and inclusive growth. By focusing on these areas, they believe Pakistan can not only catch up with global trends but also position itself as a leader in the region's e-commerce landscape.