ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s lack of policy direction for the digital transformation of the economy threatens the realization of its e-commerce potential, an Islamabad-based think tank says in a study released on Friday.
In 2020, the State Bank of Pakistan forecasts total e-commerce activity in Pakistan to have more than tripled since 2016-17. However, the growth of the e-commerce sector “has largely been in spite of government policy action (or lack thereof), not because of it,” the report says.
According to technology policy expert Anum Malkani, who authored the study published by Tabadlab, despite e-commerce being recognized as an important tool to boost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employment and exports, the policy response has been slow.
While the Ministry of Commerce released Pakistan’s e-commerce policy in October 2019 to address the slow pace and lack of direction, Tabadlab argues there remains ambiguity on key issues such as data protection, digital financial transactions, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in e-commerce.
To truly transform transactions, the study says, policy must strengthen the technology and payments infrastructure and improve access across the country and regulatory framework, including protecting consumers from fraud, and ensuring data protection and privacy.
It must also clarify taxation policy with regard to local and international e-commerce, and enable access to foreign markets through multilateral and bilateral agreements.
If not addressed, according Tabadlab, the gaps threaten the realization of Pakistan’s e-commerce potential.
Policy gaps threaten realization of Pakistan’s e-commerce potential — study
https://arab.news/rsx74
Policy gaps threaten realization of Pakistan’s e-commerce potential — study
- SBP forecasts e-commerce activity in 2020 to have more than tripled since 2016
- Policy ambiguity remains with regard to data protection, digital financial transactions and FDI
China backs Pakistan in fight against militancy after deadly Balochistan attacks
- China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in major infrastructure projects, including in Balochistan
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian says ‘we mourn for lives lost, and our hearts go out to injured and those who lost loved ones’
ISLAMABAD: China condemns the recent attacks that killed more than 200 people in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, reaffirming Beijing’s support for Pakistan in its fight against militancy.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) group launched coordinated attacks in several cities across Balochistan on Saturday, killing 33 civilians and 17 security personnel. Officials said 117 militants were killed in skirmishes and follow-up operations.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is the site of a decades-long insurgency waged by Baloch separatist groups who often attack security forces, foreigners and non-local Pakistanis and kidnap government officials.
China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“China strongly condemns the [Balochistan] attacks... We mourn for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
“China firmly opposes any form of terrorism and will as always firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people.”
Chinese nationals working in Pakistan have often been targeted by militants, particularly in the southwestern Balochistan province, where China is developing a deep seaport that is touted as the crown jewel of CPEC.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said last week the attacks, claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), were planned from India. New Delhi rejected the allegation as “baseless,” saying Islamabad was attempting to deflect attention from its internal challenges.
Balochistan is home to vast reserves of minerals and hydrocarbons. Separatist militant groups such as the BLA blame Islamabad for exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources and denying locals a share in them. The military and civilian government reject these allegations and say they are investing in the province’s development.
