Pakistan SMEs can get up to Rs150,000 grant to join Alibaba; here's how to apply

LAHORE (Web Desk) – Pakistani small and medium-sized businesses have a new opportunity to enter international markets through e-commerce giant Alibaba.com, with the government offering financial assistance, specialised training and digital onboarding support to help local entrepreneurs reach global buyers.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), operating under the Ministry of Industries and Production, has joined hands with Alibaba.com through a Strategic Cooperation Agreement aimed at strengthening the country's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative is designed to improve export readiness, expand market access and help businesses participate in the growing global digital economy.

For Pakistani entrepreneurs looking to take their products overseas, the partnership offers several facilities, including reimbursement-based grants of up to Rs150,000, preferential platform pricing and guidance on establishing an international business presence.

What benefits can businesses get?

Under the agreement, SMEDA and Alibaba.com will launch a comprehensive capacity-building and digital onboarding programme for Pakistani MSMEs.

According to officials, the initiative aims to:

Train 10,000 MSMEs: Businesses will receive capacity-building support to improve their understanding of digital commerce, international trade and export opportunities. Onboard up to 2,000 businesses: Eligible Pakistani enterprises will be facilitated in joining Alibaba.com's global business-to-business (B2B) platform. Provide financial assistance: SMEDA will offer reimbursement-based support of up to PKR 150,000 for each eligible MSME. Offer preferential pricing: Participating businesses will receive preferential pricing arrangements from Alibaba.com. Provide technical guidance: Entrepreneurs will receive onboarding assistance and technical support to establish their presence on the platform.

These facilities are intended to help local businesses strengthen their digital capabilities and connect with international buyers.

Which sectors get priority?

The programme will focus particularly on export-oriented industries with the potential to expand their international presence.

Priority sectors include:

Sports goods and sportswear Textiles Agricultural machinery Auto parts

Officials have said that the selection and onboarding process will remain transparent, with access to the programme's facilities limited to entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility requirements.

How can Pakistani businesses register?

Interested micro, small and medium-sized enterprises can register through SMEDA's online portal to explore the available support and participate in the initiative.

Eligible businesses can benefit from training, digital onboarding, preferential pricing from Alibaba.com, financial assistance from SMEDA and opportunities to connect with global B2B buyers.

Entrepreneurs should complete the registration process through the official portal and provide the necessary business information for eligibility assessment.

How did the partnership begin?

The latest Strategic Cooperation Agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed between SMEDA and Alibaba.com in May 2026, during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China.

The earlier understanding focused on SME internationalisation, digital transformation and export development, providing the foundation for the expanded collaboration.

The partnership also follows Alibaba.com's launch of DigiSME Pakistan in Faisalabad, announced during its AI Export × New Supply Growth Summit 2026. The event brought together small and medium-sized businesses and other stakeholders to explore artificial intelligence-enabled tools, digital commerce and international B2B opportunities.

SMEDA Chief Executive Officer Nadia Jahangir Seth said the initiative reflected the government's wider economic vision of promoting exports and using technology to create new opportunities for business growth.

She described the collaboration with Alibaba.com as a continuation of SMEDA's efforts to help Pakistani MSMEs access international markets.

Officials from both organisations have also reiterated their commitment to expanding the programme and helping local enterprises develop digital capabilities, improve competitiveness and reach buyers across international markets.