In commemoration of World MSME Day, Alibaba.com, a renowned global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform, has launched the Verified Supplier membership in Pakistan. This initiative aims to assist eligible Pakistani exporters in establishing trust with international buyers during online trade transactions. By offering this service, Alibaba.com continues its commitment to empowering small businesses in Pakistan, which constitute nearly 90 percent of the country’s exclusive private enterprises.
The Verified Supplier membership, offered in collaboration with SGS in Pakistan, represents the highest tier of membership on Alibaba.com. It provides on-site verification services to suppliers from leading independent certification institutions globally. This comprehensive verification process includes background checks, on-site inspections, and assessments of management quality, as well as production and service capabilities. The resulting assessment report is accessible to buyers through the participating suppliers’ Alibaba.com storefronts, serving as a testament to their trustworthiness and capabilities. To facilitate easy identification, Verified Suppliers on Alibaba.com will be tagged as “Verified Supplier” in search results, product detail pages, and company profiles.
Moreover, Verified Suppliers gain access to an exclusive online pavilion on Alibaba.com, enabling them to showcase their products and enhance their exposure to potential buyers. These features are especially valuable for eligible Pakistani companies seeking to enter the global market, as they help establish credibility and differentiate themselves from competitors.
In celebration of World MSME Day, Alibaba.com co-hosted a webinar titled “The Future of B2B E-commerce” with the International Trade Centre (ITC). The webinar provided valuable insights into the latest digital trends and tools available to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide. During the session, ITC emphasized the significant benefits that small businesses can derive from e-commerce through organizational transformation, investment in digital skills, and establishing a robust online presence. The ITC also advised businesses to prioritize B2B e-commerce and select appropriate sales channels for successful international engagement.
Alibaba.com concurred with the value of digital transformation for MSMEs, highlighting its advantages in reducing business risks, expanding customer reach, improving productivity and cost management, and boosting company profits. The platform further emphasized the growing popularity of B2B live streaming as an effective digital marketing tool for MSMEs. On Alibaba.com alone, B2B live streaming attracted over 13 million viewers in 2022, experiencing a remarkable year-on-year increase of 198 percent.
Andrew Zheng, Head of Global Supplier Business at Alibaba.com, expressed pride in celebrating World MSME Day 2023 and acknowledged the crucial role of MSMEs in the global economy. Zheng affirmed Alibaba.com’s commitment to empowering MSMEs by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in the digital age. He believed that with Alibaba.com’s support, MSMEs can overcome barriers and foster a prosperous future.
Annabel Sykes, E-commerce and SME Digital Transformation Adviser at the International Trade Centre (ITC), acknowledged the significance of Alibaba.com’s efforts to connect and facilitate global trade for MSMEs. Sykes emphasized the transformative potential of digitalizing trade, enabling MSMEs to tap into new markets and expand their businesses. She acknowledged Alibaba.com as a strong partner in this journey.
During the fiscal year 2023, Alibaba.com successfully brought together over 40 million MSMEs worldwide through its B2B e-commerce platform. The platform supports its extensive network of buyers and sellers with tailored digital tools and training for B2B trade. These include communication and engagement tools, translation assistance, AI-powered buyer-supplier matching, platform analytics, and digital commerce training. Consequently, a significant portion of these MSMEs has evolved into micro-global enterprises, demonstrating the platform’s positive impact.