Meta has announced a new initiative to train 1,000 Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in digital business and artificial intelligence (AI) for free.
Pakistan has also invited Meta to become a partner in Pakistan’s broader digital transformation agenda.
The remarks were made during a meeting with a Meta delegation led by Tehara Punchihewa, Asia-Pacific Public Policy, and Vivian Liang, Policy Programs Manager for Asia-Pacific.
During the meeting, the Meta delegation briefed the minister on its Small Business Growth Academy, under which 1,000 SMEs across Pakistan will receive free training from August to November 2026.
The program will be implemented by local partner AtomCamp and will provide training on Meta’s digital platforms, AI-powered business tools and online marketing strategies through both physical and online sessions.
According to Meta, the initiative aims to improve digital skills, expand market access and support women entrepreneurs as well as businesses operating in smaller cities.
Jam Kamal Khan said the government has placed digitization at the centre of its reform agenda and is pursuing digital transformation across ministries and public institutions to improve governance, service delivery and economic competitiveness.
The commerce minister informed the delegation that Pakistan is finalizing a comprehensive E-Commerce Policy, while work on a national Artificial Intelligence Policy is also underway to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven economic growth.
He said AI should be viewed not only as a conversational tool but also as a technology capable of strengthening policy analysis, data-driven decision-making, business intelligence and public sector efficiency.
Jam Kamal Khan said Pakistan’s growing digital economy, expanding smartphone penetration and young population offer significant opportunities for technology companies to contribute to digital skills development and entrepreneurship.
He encouraged Meta to work closely with the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO), chambers of commerce and trade associations to maximize the programme’s outreach.
The minister also invited Meta to maintain long-term engagement with the Ministry of Commerce on digital literacy, SME capacity building and digital trade, while the Meta delegation expressed its commitment to expanding cooperation and strengthening the Small Business Growth Academy across Pakistan.
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