Kanwal Naseer

Pakistan’s e-commerce landscape is witnessing remarkable growth, presenting significant opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to expand their reach and boost their revenues, reports WealthPK. This growth has been particularly pronounced after the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to data released by Statista 2024, global e-commerce sales are projected to reach $6.3 trillion, marking a significant rise driven by the increasing number of online shoppers and the continued shift towards digital retail platforms. Speaking to WealthPK, Asghar Nasar, regional coordinator of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda), said: “In the post-Covid-19 era, e-commerce has grown into a massive global market for product sales, allowing individuals and organisations to fully capitalise on its prospects. “E-commerce is an excellent opportunity for SMEs to grow their businesses both locally and globally.” He pointed out that SMEs must adopt best practices in e-commerce to optimise their operations, enhance customer experience and stay competitive. “This includes investing in secure and scalable e-commerce platforms and employing effective digital marketing systems.” “Small businesses that have embraced e-commerce are outperforming those that have not.

It is essential to recognise that the SME sector must maintain its performance to achieve long-term corporate objectives with both efficiency and effectiveness,” he said. Nasar also said he personally knew an individual who transitioned his fruits and vegetables business online. “Now, this person runs the largest online fruit and vegetable business in Pakistan. This shift has allowed him to reach a broader customer base and significantly expand his operations in the digital marketplace.” Talking to WealthPK, Awais Naqvi, who runs an online milk business, said: “I have always had a desire to start a business. After researching various markets to identify high-demand opportunities, I discovered the milk industry.” He noted that locally, there was a significant lack of awareness in the milk sector, and many businesses operated under unhygienic conditions.

“This insight motivated me to enter the market with a focus on improving quality and hygiene standards.” “So, I decided to launch my product using innovative methods. I deliver 100% buffalo milk door-to-door in Lahore. By leveraging online transportation and a 24-hour cooling mechanism, I aim to provide customers with fresh, high-quality milk delivered directly to their homes, ensuring convenience and reliability,” Naqvi said, adding that he has a well-developed cattle farm staffed with specialised veterinarians. “Additionally, I utilise EU-standard equipment to test milk quality daily before delivering it to customers.” Naqvi said e-commerce has truly been a game-changer for small and medium enterprises in Pakistan, allowing them to expand, innovate and compete on a larger scale.

Credit: INP-WealthPk