ISLAMABAD – Alibaba.com, a global leader in B2B e-commerce, has launched its Trade Assurance service in Pakistan to build confidence among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in global trade. Pakistan now joins a select group of markets where this innovative service is available, offering suppliers enhanced security and trust.
The announcement was made during the 2025 Alibaba.com Pakistan Supplier Export Summit in Sialkot, a city renowned for its industrial excellence. At the summit, Alibaba.com showcased opportunities and trends 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.
“By hosting the Pakistan Supplier Export Summit in Sialkot, Alibaba.com recognizes the city’s industrial potential,” stated Ikram Ul Haq, President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This event has significantly benefited local businesses by linking them to global markets and equipping them with the tools to succeed internationally. It demonstrates Alibaba.com’s commitment to helping Sialkot’s SMEs thrive globally.”
Revolutionizing Global Trade for Pakistani Businesses
Trade Assurance, Alibaba.com’s proprietary order protection service, addresses common B2B challenges, such as cost disputes, product quality concerns, and shipping delays. This service ensures secure transactions by holding payments in escrow until buyers confirm satisfactory delivery. By providing transparency and security, Trade Assurance builds trust between global buyers and Pakistani suppliers.
“Pakistan’s suppliers possess immense potential, with diverse production capabilities and products that attract global buyers,” said Roger Luo, Head of Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com. “Through Trade Assurance, we aim to streamline operations and unlock growth opportunities, empowering Pakistani SMEs to succeed on a global scale.”
Strengthening Supplier Credibility and Visibility
Suppliers using Trade Assurance benefit from enhanced buyer trust and improved transaction records, which increase their rankings and visibility on Alibaba.com. This creates opportunities to connect with more buyers and expand their businesses.
“Trust is key to success in international trade,” emphasized Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear, a verified supplier from Sialkot specializing in custom apparel. “Trade Assurance gives both buyers and sellers the confidence to build strong, lasting relationships. It has helped us secure larger orders and focus on delivering quality without worrying about payment risks.” In 2023, Norwich Streetwear earned over $1 million in orders through Alibaba.com.
Focusing on Pakistan’s Apparel Sector
Recognizing Pakistan’s strong position in global apparel, Alibaba.com has introduced industry-specific tools to enhance visibility, streamline processes, and connect suppliers with international buyers.
“Trade Assurance empowers Pakistani SMEs to establish strong online transaction histories, improve credit ratings, and build global reputations,” said Summer Gao, Head of Global Supply Chain Services at Alibaba.com. “With this service, we aim to reduce barriers for SMEs, enabling them to expand and compete in international markets.”
A Landmark Event in Sialkot
The 2025 Supplier Export Summit attracted over 500 SMEs, offering insights into emerging business trends, innovative tools, and future-focused solutions. With a focus on apparel, Alibaba.com aims to help Pakistani SMEs maximize growth and strengthen their presence in global markets.
