Experts from public and private sector term facilitation as a key to boost e-commerce in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD -- E-commerce offers huge scope and potential for Pakistani markets. However, the right policy reforms and facilitations by the government could play a key role in tapping the real potential of this crucial component of the business and trade.

The representatives from public and private sector and civil society organizations said this while sharing their views with the participants at online dialogue 'E-commerce-the scope and facilitation' organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Wednesday.

Ms Hussan Bano Burki, Chief of Party at USAID supported Pakistan Regional Economic Integration Activity (PREIA), on the occasion said that timely implementation of e-commerce policy could enable Pakistani market to get benefited from the opportunities in the digital space that is available to local and foreign firms.

Ms Burki said that we need to strengthen the spirit of public private dialogue to reach at the better understanding of diverse perspectives and to have a shared vision for e-commerce reforms that are required.

Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, Joint Executive Director, SDPI, was of view that E-commerce industry in Pakistan has witnessed over 90% growth during year 2019. However, total sales in this sector remain low compared to other contemporary economies. He said that some experts are suggesting that Covid19 has presented an opportunity for e-commerce enterprises provided the government policy facilitates Pakistan e-commerce sector.

He added further that people still have confidence and trust issues in making online payments. He said that a complex tax regime is a barrier to the growth of the sector and new firms to venture in it. Currently, all provinces have a different GST regime which is giving rise to multiple layers of taxation and thus, hurt the tax payer, he added.

Aisha Moriani, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce (MoC), informed the participants that e-commerce policy has been approved by the Cabinet and the ministry was now working with e-commerce industry stakeholders for timely implementation of newly approved e-commerce policy.

She said that this policy...