Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed that all projects undertaken with Alibaba Group should be implemented with clear targets, defined timelines and effective monitoring to ensure tangible results.

He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad today to review progress on the application of AI and digitization of the economy in governance and ongoing collaboration with Alibaba Group.

The Prime Minister directed the relevant ministries to complete all necessary measures by next month and submit a report.

He said effective use of digitalization, artificial intelligence and modern technology has a significant role in improving trade, exports, agricultural productivity, ease of doing business and the quality of public services.

He welcomed Alibaba's cooperation in facilitating Pakistani agricultural exports to Chinese markets and promoting automation in the agriculture sector.

He further directed the relevant authorities to ensure early implementation of the cancer diagnosis system and analytics-based monitoring of petroleum products' supply chains.

The Prime Minister further directed the authorities to expedite the implementation of an AI training programme for IT graduates under the Ministry of Information Technology's Ignite programme, in collaboration with Alibaba. The programme will provide 15-day training.

He called for close collaboration between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Alibaba to enhance Pakistan's exports.

He said the government is committed to fully capitalizing on its strategic partnership with Alibaba to help small and medium enterprises access global markets and create new opportunities for technology-driven growth.

He recalled that a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed with Alibaba at the company's headquarters in Hangzhou during his visit to China.

He said the key to the country's development lies in artificial intelligence and digitization.

The meeting was informed that work is underway on AI-based models for agriculture, track-and-trace technology for tobacco and digital platforms to facilitate exports of citrus fruit and olives.

A dedicated Pakistan Pavilion has also been established on Alibaba】's platform to promote Pakistani products in international markets.

The meeting was further informed that a system for digital verification of trade documents through Pakistan Single Window has become operational.

A two-year programme is also being launched in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority and Alibaba to provide small and medium enterprises access to international markets, training and e-commerce opportunities.

Progress on the development of an advanced data platform and a central data hub for the Federal Board of Revenue and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited was also reviewed.

The meeting also reviewed progress on a proposed pilot project for AI-assisted cancer diagnosis in the health sector.

In the energy sector, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority is being provided with artificial intelligence and business intelligence tools to analyse fuel supply chain data.

It was further informed that initiatives to introduce digital technologies and artificial intelligence in higher education, railways, postal services and urban management are also nearing completion.