ISLAMABAD – Alibaba.com, a global leader in business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, has launched its Trade Assurance service in Pakistan, aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to trade with greater confidence. This makes Pakistan one of the select markets globally where the platform has introduced this valuable service for suppliers.
The announcement was made at the 2025 Alibaba.com Pakistan Supplier Export Summit, held in Sialkot, a hub of industrial excellence. During the event, Alibaba.com highlighted growth opportunities and emerging trends in the global apparel industry, which is projected to reach $1.79 trillion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81% from 2024 to 2028.
“Alibaba.com’s decision to hold the Pakistan Supplier Export Summit in Sialkot underscores the city’s industrial importance and potential,” said Ikram Ul Haq, President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This event has brought immense value to our local businesses by connecting them with global opportunities and introducing the tools needed to succeed in international markets. Initiatives like this reflect Alibaba.com’s dedication to supporting Sialkot’s SMEs to grow and thrive on a global scale.”
A Game-Changer for Global Trade
Trade Assurance, Alibaba.com’s proprietary order protection service, addresses common challenges in global B2B trade, such as concerns over costs, product quality, and shipment timelines. The service provides payment protection by holding funds in escrow until the buyer confirms satisfactory receipt of the order. This mechanism ensures a secure and transparent transaction process, fostering trust between global buyers and Pakistani suppliers.
“Pakistan represents a high-potential supplier market for Alibaba.com, boasting robust production capabilities and a diverse range of product categories that capture substantial global buyer interest. To capitalize on this potential, we have introduced the Trade Assurance service in Pakistan,” said Roger Luo, Head of Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com. “Our goal is to enhance efficiency and unlock new business opportunities for Pakistani suppliers to support their growth and success.”
Boosting Supplier Visibility and Credibility
Suppliers using Trade Assurance can benefit from improved buyer trust and a strengthened online transaction history. This enhanced profile can lead to higher rankings and visibility on Alibaba.com, opening doors to new business opportunities.
“Trust is the foundation of success in international trade,” noted Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear, a Sialkot-based verified supplier specializing in custom apparel. “Trade Assurance bridges this trust gap by offering payment protection and transparent processes, which are crucial for fostering long-term relationships. With this service, buyers feel confident placing large orders, and sellers like us can focus on delivering quality products without worrying about payment risks.” Norwich Streetwear secured over $1 million in orders through Alibaba.com in 2023.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Apparel Sector
Recognizing Pakistan’s strong position in the global apparel sector, Alibaba.com has introduced specialized services tailored for the industry. These tools and resources are designed to enhance product visibility, streamline operations, and facilitate connections with buyers worldwide.
“We are thrilled to bring Trade Assurance to Pakistan,” said Summer Gao, Head of Global Supply Chain Services at Alibaba.com. “Conducting transactions through this service will enable Pakistani SMEs to build a robust online transaction history, bolster their credit ratings, and enhance their reputation with global buyers. We believe the comprehensive order protection it offers can reduce trade barriers for SMEs, opening pathways for them to flourish in the global marketplace.”
A Milestone Event in Sialkot
The 2025 Alibaba.com Pakistan Supplier Export Summit attracted over 500 SME representatives from Sialkot. The event provided valuable insights into emerging business trends, innovative technologies, and future-ready solutions aimed at redefining operations in the digital era. Alibaba.com’s focus on the apparel sector highlights its commitment to helping Pakistani businesses maximize growth potential and strengthen their presence in competitive global markets.
