A briefing on e-Commerce policy framework

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today chaired a briefing on e-Commerce policy framework which is being formulated to promote and facilitate e-commerce transactions at Prime Minister’s Office.

The briefing was attended by Minister for Commerce & Textile Mr. Muhammad Pervaiz Malik, Minister for IT Ms. Anusha Rehman, Minister of State for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal, Governor State Bank, Chairman FBR and senior government officials. Representatives of the private sector involved in e-Commerce business were also present during the meeting.

Secretary Commerce gave a detailed presentation on the proposed policy framework which was being formulated in consultation with the stakeholders and encompasses various areas including consumer protection, dispute resolution mechanism, taxation, payment gateway and ensuring privacy and data protection of the consumers.

The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of Ministry of Commerce, IT and all other concerned departments working on putting in place a robust mechanism to facilitate e-Commerce in the country.

The Prime Minister observed that promotion of e-commerce promises huge benefits for the economy by not only serving as a force multiplier in further growth of economy but also towards the generation of jobs, broadening of market access, documentation of the economy and promotion of businesses including the small businesses across the country.

The Prime Minister directed Ministry of Commerce to continue engaging the private sector in finding solutions to the issues such as taxation and provision of the level-playing field to the local companies involved in e-commerce transactions.

The Prime Minister further directed that the policy framework to be finalized should aim at providing maximum facilitation and promoting ease of doing business through e-Commerce facility.