Alibaba.com Introduces Trade Assurance in Pakistan, Enabling Local SMEs to Trade with Enhanced Confidence

                                                 

Alibaba.com, a leading global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform, today announced the launch of Trade Assurance in Pakistan, enabling local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to trade with enhanced confidence. With this launch, Pakistan joins the ranks of a select few markets where Alibaba.com has introduced this valued service for suppliers.

 

The launch was announced at the 2025 Alibaba.com Pakistan Supplier Export Summit, held in Sialkot, a hub of industrial excellence. At the event, Alibaba.com shared insights into the growth opportunities and emerging trends within the global apparel industry, which is projected to reach a market size of $1.79 trillion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81% from 2024 to 2028¹.

 

“Alibaba.com’s decision to hold the Pakistan Supplier Export Summit in Sialkot underscores the city’s industrial importance and potential,” said Ikram Ul Haq, President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This event has brought immense value to our local businesses by connecting them with global opportunities and introducing the tools needed to succeed in international markets. Initiatives like this reflect Alibaba.com’s dedication to supporting Sialkot’s SMEs to grow and thrive on a global scale.”

 

Bringing Peace of Mind to Pakistani Suppliers

 

Global B2B trade can be fraught with challenges, including concerns over costs, product quality, shipment timelines, and more. Trade Assurance, a proprietary order protection service offered by Alibaba.com, alleviates some of these risks, providing both suppliers and buyers with confidence throughout the entire transaction process. Suppliers who opt for this service can conduct business with peace of mind, knowing that their transactions are securely safeguarded by a trusted platform. The service stipulates that the buyer makes payment at the time of purchase, with the funds held in escrow by Alibaba.com until the buyer confirms the satisfactory receipt of the order within a reasonable timeframe.

 

“Pakistan represents a high-potential supplier market for Alibaba.com, boasting robust production capabilities and a diverse range of product categories that capture substantial global buyer interest. To capitalize on this potential, we have introduced the Trade Assurance service in Pakistan. This service is designed to foster trust between suppliers and global buyers while streamlining transaction processes. Our goal is to enhance efficiency and unlock new business opportunities for Pakistan suppliers to support their growth and success,” said Roger Luo, Head of Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com.

 

Participating suppliers stand to benefit significantly from Trade Assurance, as the service not only enhances buyers’ trust in them but also allows them to build a robust online transaction history. By enhancing their online profile, suppliers can improve their ranking and visibility on Alibaba.com, ultimately leading to a wealth of future business opportunities.

 

“Trust is the foundation of success in international trade. When dealing with buyers from different parts of the world, ensuring that both sides feel secure is critical. Trade Assurance bridges this trust gap by offering payment protection and transparent processes, which are crucial for fostering long-term relationships. With this service, buyers feel confident placing large orders, and sellers like us can focus on delivering quality products without worrying about payment risks,” said Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear, a Sialkot-based verified supplier on Alibaba.com specializing in custom apparel. In 2023, the company secured more than $1 million’s worth of orders through Alibaba.com.

 

“We are thrilled to bring Trade Assurance to Pakistan. Conducting transactions through this service will enable Pakistani SMEs to build a robust online transaction history, bolster their credit ratings, and enhance their reputation with global buyers. We believe the comprehensive order protection it offers can reduce trade barriers for SMEs, opening pathways for them to flourish in the global marketplace,” said Summer Gao, Head of Global Supply Chain Services at Alibaba.com.

 

Supporting Pakistani Apparel Suppliers

 

The 2025 Alibaba.com Pakistan Supplier Export Summit brought together more than 500 SME representatives from Sialkot to explore emerging business trends, innovative technologies and future-ready solutions poised to redefine their operations in the digital era. Recognizing Pakistan’s strong position in the apparel sector, Alibaba.com highlighted the potential for local businesses to penetrate international markets, driven by global demand for quality apparel products.

 

To bolster Pakistani clothing suppliers, Alibaba.com has recently introduced a suite of services tailored specifically for the apparel industry, offering tools and resources that enhance product visibility, streamline operations and facilitate connections with buyers worldwide. This strategic focus on the apparel sector aims to help Pakistani businesses maximize their growth potential and strengthen their presence in the competitive global market.

Only 20% of businesses and organisations are prepared for climate-related disasters, new research from ACCA reveals as COP29 climate summit opens

                                              

Businesses and other organisations are not prepared for weather-related disasters, with out-of-date business continuity plans failing to reflect the frequency of disruption of climate-related events, according to ACCA’s latest report weathering the storm: building resilience against climate disruptions.

This new report paints a concerning picture of organisational preparedness, with only 20% of businesses and other organisations surveyed identifying climate-related risks across their operations. Even more troubling is that a mere 17% regularly rehearse their response to major disruptions, while 25% have no mechanisms in place to build resilience at all.

‘Spain's recent floods and intensifying hurricanes worldwide are harrowing reminders that climate change is not a distant threat; it’s reshaping lives and communities right now,’ said report author Emmeline Skelton, Head of Sustainability at ACCA. ‘Organisations must make climate adaptation a priority— not only to safeguard their operations but to protect the people and places at risk. Rising temperatures, more intense rainfall, and swelling sea levels make the evidence unmistakable: we must act now to build resilience and mitigate further harm.

‘The escalating environmental threats demand comprehensive preparation measures. Yet our survey reveals that climate adaptation planning is still not receiving the urgent attention it requires. It’s time for organisations to take decisive action to protect both their future and the communities they serve. ‘However, resilience is not a priority for organisations with two-thirds of respondents not investing adequately to address the physical risks posed by climate change, and only 37% planning to increase spending in this area.

 ‘Organisations with a digital-first approach can’t overlook climate risks affecting their remote workforce,’ she added. ‘To ensure resilience, forward-thinking organisations need to proactively support remote workers with measures like power backups and health monitoring to stay prepared in an increasingly unpredictable climate.’

Data for the report came from ACCA Global Economic Conditions Survey of over 600 finance professionals around the world and illustrates these concerns vividly. Power outages topped the list of climate-related disruptions in Africa (54% of respondents), while North America’s leading worries included supply chain breakdowns (41%) and employee health issues (39%).

 

CFOs and finance teams are essential to building climate resilience through risk-based planning and sustainable business strategies. By championing transparency in emissions targets and transition plans, finance professionals play a critical role in reducing carbon footprints and advancing net-zero goals, ultimately supporting a fair, inclusive, and climate-resilient future.

ACCA will be sharing the findings of this report, and other research and guidance it has produced on a range of sustainability issues, at the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan. The report includes tool kits for finance teams to build skills in resilience in areas of scenario testing, crisis management planning and business continuity plans. It also lists key actions business and governments must take to build resilience and address climate-related risks. Find out more at our website.

CBD PUNJAB AND GENESIS PROPERTIES READY TO TRANSFORM LAHORE WITH OCTOBER LAUNCH OF LAHORE GLOBAL VILLAGE

                                         

A delegation of Punjab Central Business District Development Authourity (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), recently visited Lahore Global Village (LGV) to assess the progress of its commercial activities. The delegation included Saqlain Akbar, Deputy Director Urban Planning CBD Punjab, Faran Sadiq, Assistant Director Retail Sales CBD Punjab, and officials from the CBD Punjab Technical Directorate.

During the visit, the delegation met with Chairman Genesis Properties, Habib Nawaz, and CEO Genesis Properties, Raheel Iftikhar. The officials were briefed on the progress of LGV, which is expected to become one of Lahore's key commercial and retail destinations.

Chairman Genesis properties, Habib Nawaz, shared that LGV is on track to become operational by the end of October 2024, with many prominent retail and food brands already onboarded for the grand opening. The delegation also conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing renovation work at LGV to ensure the project’s timely completion.

Spokesperson of CBD Punjab commented, “Lahore Global Village will be the new identity of Lahore. The project will be functional in accordance with the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz. Genesis Properties has the full support of CBD Punjab, and both teams are working tirelessly to make LGV operational as scheduled.”

Chairman Genesis Properties, Habib Nawaz, added, "The wait is almost over, and Lahore Global Village will soon welcome its first visitors, setting a new benchmark for commercial development in the region."

Lahore Global Village is poised to become a vibrant hub for commerce, dining, and leisure. With its strategic location and innovative design, LGV is set to enhance Lahore's commercial landscape. The collaboration between Genesis Properties and CBD Punjab marks a significant step towards boosting economic growth and elevating Lahore’s status as a modern metropolis.

Infinix Secretly Developing Underwater Charging

     

Just a few weeks ago, Infinix captured the tech world’s attention by reportedly developing the slimmest smartphone in the world. Leaked images comparing this device side-by-side with Apple’s iPhone highlighted a remarkable difference in thickness, with rumors suggesting a profile of less than 6mm. This new device could set a ground-breaking standard for ultra-thin smartphones if accurate.

But Infinix isn’t stopping at aesthetics. This upcoming phone is rumored to boast a large battery, a cutting-edge chipset, a tri-camera setup, and an advanced cooling system—all seamlessly integrated into that impressively slim design. It is achieving such thinness without compromising performance hinges on advancements in battery technology, particularly the development of slimmer batteries.

While the prospect of an ultra-thin smartphone may seem far-fetched, reports indicate that Infinix is leveraging breakthrough solid-state battery technology. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries offer several advantages: they are safer, possess a higher energy density, and have a longer lifespan. This innovation could provide Infinix’s new device with a significant competitive edge, enhancing both its form factor and overall performance.

The Possibility of Underwater Charging

What’s even more intriguing is the potential for this technology to enable underwater charging. In a landscape where water resistance is increasingly standard among flagship smartphones, Infinix is reportedly taking a bold step forward. Sources suggest that the company is developing a revolutionary device capable of charging underwater.

A leaked video purportedly shows the Infinix smartphone charging beneath the surface, a feat made possible through a combination of IP68-rated waterproofing and innovative nano-coating technology. Coupled with the solid-state battery, this feature could redefine how we utilize smartphones in aquatic environments. If confirmed, Infinix would become the first brand to offer such a ground-breaking advancement.

Imagine the possibilities: capturing breathtaking marine life or stunning coral reefs without worrying about battery life. This innovation could open doors to new photography techniques and experiences that were previously thought impossible, allowing users to document their underwater adventures in real time.

Conclusion

What truly sets Infinix apart is its relentless pursuit of innovation, particularly in battery technology. Since launching its first-generation NOTE series, the company has consistently redefined smartphone charging capabilities with concepts like "All-Round FastCharge." They have been pioneers in introducing groundbreaking features, including the first Android smartphone to support magnetic charging, the first smartphone with an astonishing 260W wired charging, and the ability to charge in extreme temperatures as low as -40°C.

With this unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, Infinix may soon unveil not only the world’s thinnest smartphone but also a revolutionary battery capable of charging underwater. If these advancements come to fruition, they could redefine the smartphone landscape and set new industry standards.

Could this be the future of mobile technology? Only time will tell, but the potential is undeniably thrilling. Stay tuned as we continue to follow Infinix’s journey into this exciting new frontier!

Honeymoon Hang-Ups: A Tech Tale between Zuhaab and Wania

  

Zuhab and Wania were newlyweds, their hearts full of excitement as they embarked on their first international trip to Baku, Azerbaijan. They had envisioned their honeymoon as a romantic escape filled with laughter, love, and lasting memories. But little did they know; their tech preferences would throw a minor wrench in their plans.

The source of the contention? Their smartphones. Zuhab, a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, was convinced that his trusty phone was the perfect companion for their adventure. Wania, however, had recently upgraded to the Infinix ZERO 40, a device she was particularly excited about for its powerful camera capabilities.

Zuhab's phone was a reliable workhorse, but Wania's ZERO 40 boasted a 108 MP stable vlog camera that promised to capture their Baku experience in stunning detail. The couple found themselves locked in a friendly debate about which device would be the best tool for their vlogging endeavors.

Zuhab argued that his phone's high-end features were more than enough to capture their adventures. But Wania countered with the ZERO 40's ability to shoot stable, high-quality videos, perfect for creating a cinematic record of their trip.

Their disagreement boiled down to a matter of priorities. Zuhab preferred quick and easy photos and short clips, while Wania was focused on creating a polished, professional-looking vlog. The Infinix ZERO 40's 3D curved 120 Hz AMOLED display made it easy for her to review and edit footage on the go, a feature that Zuhab's phone lacked.

After some initial bickering, the couple realized that they could benefit from using both devices. Zuhab's phone was great for capturing spontaneous moments, while Wania's ZERO 40 was ideal for creating a cohesive narrative. By combining their strengths, they were able to document their Baku adventure in a way that was both authentic and visually appealing.

As their honeymoon progressed, Zuhab began to appreciate the Infinix ZERO 40's versatility. The stable vlog camera and powerful 108 MP sensor allowed him to capture stunning footage that was easy to edit and share. Wania, in turn, recognized that Zuhab's phone had its own merits, especially for capturing quick and candid shots.

In the end, their tech clash turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It forced them to communicate, compromise, and appreciate each other's perspectives. And most importantly, it helped them create a truly unique and memorable record of their honeymoon through Infinix ZERO 40.

TCL Unveils World’s Largest QD Mini LED TV, Now Available in Pakistan at Exclusive Arsenal Match Watch Party

     

TCL, Pakistan’s No. 1 LED TV brand proudly launched The World’s Largest QD Mini LED TV, 115" X955 Max, now available in Pakistan. To celebrate this milestone, TCL organized an exclusive media meetup and watch party for the highly anticipated Arsenal vs. Manchester City match.

The event, held at TCL’s Flagship store, at Gulberg Lahore, attracted a diverse audience of media executives, loyal customers, media houses, prominent key opinion leaders (KOLs) like Shahveer Jafry and Bilal Munir, and passionate Arsenal fans. Guests experienced the electrifying atmosphere of the match on the world’s largest QD Mini LED TV, providing stunning visuals, a cinematic experience and an immersive viewing atmosphere. The event showcased TCL’s dedication to engaging with the sports community and enhancing fan experiences in Pakistan.

Majid Khan Niazi, Director of Marketing, TCL Middle East and Africa, remarked "We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of our revolutionary 115” X955 Max, QD Mini LED TV in Pakistan during the exhilarating match between Arsenal and Manchester City. This event highlights our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology. With stunning visuals and vibrant colors, this game-changing TV is set to transform everyone’s viewing experience, making every moment unforgettable!".

The TCL 115" X955 Max QD Mini LED TV is a game-changer, featuring state-of-the-art Quantum Dot technology for vibrant colors and stunning clarity. As the only QD Mini LED TV of its kind available in Pakistan, it promises an unmatched cinematic experience right in your living room. The TCL 115" X955 Max is now available for purchase across Pakistan.

Survey finds that 89% of accountants recognise the importance of living wages yet only 53% see it as their responsibility

  

 The report, ‘A living wage – Crucial for sustainability’, calls on finance and accountancy professionals to take immediate action in addressing wage inequality, highlighting the critical role they play in driving sustainable business practices and fostering social stability. The report underscores that without urgent intervention, wage disparities will continue to erode economic and social systems worldwide.

 

Using the insights from over 1,000 survey respondents across 93 countries and discussions with more than 50 finance and business professionals, the report provides compelling evidence for the socio-economic multiplier effect of living wages. It finds that paying a living wage benefits not only workers but also employers, economies, and governments.

 

Paying workers below a living wage is inconsistent with preserving and enhancing the value of human capital. Business and investor initiatives involving leaders from across all regions are increasingly highlighting the importance of paying living wages to reduce inequalities and the related risks to societies, economies and financial systems. Yet only 34% of the respondents felt that it was a responsibility which extended to their first-tier suppliers and even less beyond this.

 

The report highlights the undeniable link between living wages and sustainability, with 82% of global survey respondents recognising this connection. Living wages reduce inequality, boost economic stability, enhance business resilience, support human rights, strengthen supply chains, and meet growing regulatory and investor demands for socially responsible practices.

 

Helen Brand OBE, Chief Executive of ACCA, emphasised that: ‘Accountancy and finance professionals are held to the highest ethical standards. The right of all employees and contractors to a living wage is an ethical responsibility and as a result finance professionals have a unique role and opportunity to drive it as a core part of their sustainability activities.’

 

Caroline Rees, President and Co-founder of Shift commented that: ‘A living wage is a fundamental human right. Organisations’ responsibility under international standards to respect human rights means paying workers in their own organisation adequately, and using their purchasing practices and business relationships to advance living wages also for workers in their value chains. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but chief financial officers can and should drive demonstrable progress on this crucial issue.’

Richard Karmel, Managing Partner – London, Forvis Mazars, explained that: ‘Organisations face significant transitions as their business models seek to become more sustainable. The inability to pay a living wage throughout a value chain, including in one’s own organisation, can only bring into question whether that business model is sustainable. Now is the time to critically appraise the viability of these business models and to make tough choices with a human capital focus.’

 

The report urges finance professionals to bring living wages to board-level discussions, integrate them into sustainability strategies, and encourage their value chain, starting with Tier 1 suppliers, to pay living wages.

 

Regulatory frameworks, such as the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), are increasingly emphasising the importance of living wages and the ability of organisations to be able to assess and report to an expected level of assurance across their value chain upon this imperative is fundamental.