Alibaba.com, the global leader in business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, has introduced its Trade Assurance service in Pakistan, a move aimed at enhancing the confidence of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaging in international trade. This launch places Pakistan among the select countries globally to receive this service, marking a significant step in empowering local suppliers to navigate the complexities of global trade with greater security and trust.
The announcement was made during the 2025 Alibaba.com Pakistan Supplier Export Summit, which took place in Sialkot—widely recognized as a hub of industrial excellence in Pakistan. During the summit, Alibaba.com emphasized the growing opportunities in the global apparel market, which is projected to reach $1.79 trillion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81% from 2024 to 2028. The event provided a platform for suppliers to learn about emerging trends and explore avenues to expand their reach internationally.
Ikram Ul Haq, President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of the summit and the Trade Assurance service for local SMEs. “Alibaba.com’s choice to hold the Supplier Export Summit in Sialkot underscores the city’s industrial significance and potential. The event has connected our local businesses with global opportunities and provided them with the tools necessary to succeed in the international market,” he said. “This initiative is a testament to Alibaba.com’s commitment to supporting Sialkot’s SMEs as they scale and thrive globally.”
Transforming Global Trade for SMEs
Trade Assurance is a proprietary service offered by Alibaba.com to address common concerns in global B2B trade, such as product quality, cost transparency, and shipment timelines. Through the service, payment is protected by holding funds in escrow until the buyer confirms that the order has been received as expected. This added layer of security ensures that transactions are transparent and trustworthy, which fosters stronger relationships between Pakistani suppliers and global buyers.
Roger Luo, Head of Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com, noted Pakistan’s potential as a supplier market, stating, “Pakistan has strong production capabilities across diverse product categories, attracting significant global buyer interest. By launching Trade Assurance in Pakistan, our goal is to enhance operational efficiency and unlock new business opportunities, supporting the growth of Pakistani suppliers.”
Enhancing Supplier Visibility and Credibility
Suppliers who utilize Alibaba.com’s Trade Assurance service will benefit from increased trust and visibility in the marketplace. The service helps establish a solid online transaction history, which can lead to higher rankings on the platform, making it easier for suppliers to connect with potential buyers. This enhanced credibility is vital for building long-term relationships and securing larger orders.
Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear, a verified supplier in Sialkot, shared his experience with the service: “Trade Assurance bridges the trust gap between buyers and sellers by ensuring payment protection and transparency. This service has allowed us to secure over $1 million in orders through Alibaba.com in 2023, giving us the confidence to fulfill large orders while focusing on delivering quality products.”
Strengthening Pakistan’s Apparel Sector
With Pakistan’s apparel sector holding a significant place in the global market, Alibaba.com is introducing specialized tools to further support the industry. These resources are designed to enhance product visibility, streamline operations, and strengthen connections with global buyers. By leveraging Trade Assurance, SMEs in Pakistan can build stronger credit profiles, reduce trade barriers, and gain access to a wider range of international business opportunities.
Summer Gao, Head of Global Supply Chain Services at Alibaba.com, emphasized the transformative potential of Trade Assurance, saying, “This service will help Pakistani SMEs build a robust online transaction history, improve their credit ratings, and strengthen their reputation with global buyers. We are confident that by reducing trade risks, we are providing SMEs with the tools they need to thrive in the global marketplace.”
The 2025 Alibaba.com Pakistan Supplier Export Summit, attended by over 500 SME representatives, provided critical insights into emerging trends and innovations in global trade. Alibaba.com’s focus on the apparel industry highlights its commitment to helping Pakistani businesses scale and succeed in competitive international markets, marking a significant milestone in the country’s e-commerce landscape.