Editorial
Technological advancements are revolutionizing the business landscape across South Asia, creating new opportunities for growth through collaboration among neighboring countries like Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The rise of online platforms for buying and selling goods, along with the expansion of electronic payment methods, is enhancing cross-border trade relations in the region.
Over the past decade, the e-commerce sector has experienced significant growth in South Asia, with projections indicating the market could surpass $200 billion by 2026. This growth is driven by increased internet access, smartphone usage, and growing consumer awareness. In Pakistan, platforms such as Daraz, Foodpanda, and OLX have flourished, offering a wide range of products and services to consumers. Similarly, in Afghanistan, digital platforms like Baaz and EasyPay are helping local businesses tap into regional markets, while Indian e-commerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon are expanding their reach to capitalize on border trade opportunities.
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These online platforms are boosting trade between Pakistan and its neighbors by reducing barriers like high tariffs and complicated paperwork. For example, Afghan goods such as Kandahari pomegranates and Herat saffron are now more easily sold in Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistan has started sending textiles and medical supplies to Afghanistan and Bangladesh through these digital channels, making supply chains more efficient and cost-effective.
The growth of payment platforms like Easypaisa, JazzCash, and Paytm in South Asia has also been pivotal, offering financial inclusion to millions without bank accounts and facilitating cross-border transactions. However, challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited internet access in rural areas, and political tensions between nations hinder the full potential of e-commerce in the region.
To harness the benefits of e-commerce, governments must invest in infrastructure, revise trade policies, and promote digital literacy to foster regional unity and economic collaboration.