E-Commerce Policy of Pakistan: Setting a Path to Development
Keywords:
Electronic Commerce; Information Technologies; Ecosystem for E-Commerce; Global Connectivity; E-Commerce PlatformsAbstract
Introduction: Since e-commerce is becoming more important in many sectors, many emerging and developing countries have made steps to standardize it in order to guide the evolution of the internet economy and make it advantageous to their citizens. The existing policy response is as per the expectations as an unprecedented growth has been witnessed in recent years both at the country level and across border trade through E-Commerce platforms. We share here i) gaps related to the ecosystem of the e-commerce sector in Pakistan, and ii) prioritization of existing policy and research concerns.
Methods: Exploratory research was carried out using national and international online business perspectives and applying the e-commerce policy framework for equitable access to essential ecosystem, consumer protection, multicultural negotiations, and global connectivity. Methods involved key informant interviews with experts/stakeholders.
Findings: Most of the findings for the e-commerce policy implementation yielded positive effects. These include the utilization of available resources and ecosystem, the regulatory and legal infrastructure for e-commerce business registration, and the backing of appropriate government agencies. However, in some areas like Trust, Cyber security laws, E Scams and frauds, and dispute resolution mechanisms, it was found that policy implementation is weak.
Conclusion: To drive the expansion of e-Commerce, comprehensive actions are needed, including addressing legislative inconsistencies, guaranteeing a level playing field for all stakeholders in the e-Commerce market, transparency in e-commerce industries' economic activities, and harmonizing tax systems, to mention a few.
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