Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met the leadership of Alibaba International Digital Commerce (AIDC) in Bangkok on Thursday. The two sides discussed speeding up the Pakistan Single Window e-commerce platform and better monitoring of cross-border payments and export earnings.
The talks also reviewed cooperation on cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence and tax administration. According to the discussion, the focus would be on integrated data systems, cybersecurity and institutional capacity. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026.
Digital payments and e-commerce tax proposals
Participants covered digital payments, a cashless economy and the transparent delivery of social protection payments and targeted subsidies. Aurangzeb thanked Alibaba for its support to small and medium enterprises, local brands and exporters selling through Alibaba.com.
He also asked for proposals on rationalizing e-commerce taxation, weighing fairness against wider tax participation.
Market access and IMF programme commitments
Speaking at the Bank of America (BoFA) Small Talks Symposium, Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s renewed access to international markets and its efforts to replace costly, short-term debt with longer-maturity financing. He said external indicators were improving, foreign exchange reserves had strengthened and net international reserves under the IMF definition were positive.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to completing the IMF programme and maintaining policy credibility afterwards.
Reform plans and regional risk measures
Discussions also touched on tax reforms, broadening the tax base, privatization and growing investor interest. Aurangzeb stressed export-led growth supported by tariff reforms, competitive inputs and targeted financing, and outlined steps to manage regional conflict, energy-price pressures and climate shocks.
