Pakistan’s Marketing Services Exports Surge 19% as Payoneer Connect Lahore Eyes Global Growth
Pakistan’s advertising and market research exports reach $30.7 million in the first quarter of FY2026-27 as marketing agencies explore AI-driven opportunities and international expansion.
Islamabad, November 6, 2026: Pakistan’s marketing services exports recorded a significant 19% year-on-year increase during July–September 2026, reaching $30.7 million compared with $25.8 million in the corresponding period last year, according to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data.
The growth highlights the expanding potential of Pakistan’s digital and professional services sector, as more than 40 marketing agencies gathered at Payoneer Connect Lahore to explore opportunities in international markets.
Hosted by global financial technology company Payoneer, the event was held under the theme “The Export Era of Global Marketing.” It brought together marketing agency leaders, representatives of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), Google and artificial intelligence (AI) practitioners.
The discussion focused on helping Pakistani agencies attract international clients, expand their operations and strengthen their position in the global marketing industry.
Pakistan’s broader professional services exports also demonstrated strong growth. Exports of other business services, a category covering public relations, consulting and technical services, reached $620 million during the quarter, marking a 27% increase compared with the same period last year.
Within this category, consulting and public relations services exports increased 22% to $81.2 million.
A key highlight of the event was a fireside discussion on agentic AI featuring Ali Imran Memon, founder and CEO of Kitsune AI. The session explored how Pakistani agencies could move beyond traditional freelancing and outsourcing models by developing AI-powered agents and products.
Participants also discussed alternative business models for AI services, including subscription-based, task-based and outcome-based pricing.
Google’s Customer Solutions team highlighted how artificial intelligence tools can simplify localisation and help Pakistani businesses reach customers across international markets.
Addressing the policy dimension, P@SHA Vice Chairman Samad Saleem outlined ongoing advocacy efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s digital services exports.
The discussions come as the government pursues its ambitious target of increasing IT exports to $15 billion by 2030.
The rising marketing services exports, combined with growing adoption of artificial intelligence and international business opportunities, reflect the potential of Pakistan’s digital economy to become a stronger player in global markets.
