Pakistani manufacturers can now sell on Amazon from home. The Commerce Ministry announced on Friday, 21 May 2021, that Amazon had added Pakistan to its list of countries eligible for sellers.
Until now, Pakistani merchants had to register companies in other countries or make goods for brands already on the platform, even though Amazon operates in neighbouring India. Some firms sold through overseas offices. The change means sellers can open accounts with their Pakistani details, including local bank accounts.
Abdul Razzaq Dawood, the prime minister’s adviser on commerce and investment, tweeted that it was “a big accomplishment for our e-commerce and will open up vast opportunities for a new breed of young men and women entrepreneurs.” The ministry called it a milestone of the National e-Commerce Policy, reached after steady talks with Amazon since the last quarter of 2019.
Who stands to gain
Small and medium-sized businesses, young entrepreneurs and women-led firms are the groups officials keep naming. Pakistani goods already on Amazon are mostly textiles, sports gear, leather and surgical products. Dawn reported that Amazon’s third-party model lets retailers sell straight to buyers, while a first-party model suits mass producers who supply Amazon-brand items.
Eric Broussard, vice president of Amazon International Seller Services, sent a message through the ministry. “We are eager to work with Pakistan’s dynamic business community, including small and medium-sized sellers, and help connect them with customers around the globe,” he said.
The ministry said manufacturers can design new products and compete on quality and price, with a chance to reach customers in new market segments.
Hard work ahead
Dawood was frank that access alone will not do it. “In order to reap full benefits, a lot of hard work has to be done in training, quality assurance, improvement in logistics, payment systems, customer relationship management etc.,” he said. The ministry will keep talking with Amazon through a Focus Group to guide local businesses.
Early numbers are small. The Commerce Ministry reportedly gave Amazon the names of only 38 exporters to register at first, so it will take time before the opening shows in sales.
Official sources told Dawn it came out of work by the commerce ministry and Pakistani missions in Washington and Los Angeles, with a pilot project run with help from the embassy in Washington.
