Pakistan Marketing Exports Surge 19% as Payoneer Connect Lahore Explores Global Growth

Pakistan’s digital services industry is gaining momentum as local agencies expand their presence in international markets. According to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data, Pakistan Marketing Exports in advertising and market research services increased by 19% year-on-year to $30.7 million during July–September 2026, compared with $25.8 million in the same period last year.

Against this backdrop, Payoneer hosted Payoneer Connect Lahore, bringing together more than 40 marketing agencies to explore international business opportunities, emerging technologies and strategies for scaling services across borders.

The event, themed ‘The Export Era of Global Marketing’, brought together agency leaders, representatives from the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), Google’s Customer Solutions team and artificial intelligence practitioners.

Pakistan Marketing Exports Gain Momentum Amid Global Opportunities

The latest figures highlight the growing contribution of marketing and professional services to Pakistan’s export economy. The increase in advertising and market research exports reflects opportunities for local agencies to serve international clients and strengthen their position in the global digital economy.

Other business services, a broader SBP category covering public relations, consulting and technical services, also recorded significant growth. Exports in this category reached $620 million during July–September 2026, representing a 27% year-on-year increase.

Within this category, consulting and public relations services exports rose 22% to $81.2 million, demonstrating the expanding potential of Pakistan’s professional services industry.

Payoneer Connect Lahore focused on helping agencies translate this growth into sustainable international business by improving service quality, building global client relationships and adopting new technologies.

Agentic AI Could Transform Pakistan’s Marketing Industry

Artificial intelligence emerged as a major discussion point, particularly during a fireside chat featuring Ali Imran Memon, founder and CEO of Kitsune AI.

The discussion explored whether Pakistan’s traditional freelancing and outsourcing models have reached their growth limits and how agencies can move towards higher-value services.

Rather than relying entirely on billable hours, marketing businesses were encouraged to consider transforming their expertise into AI-powered agents and scalable digital products.

The conversation also examined different approaches to pricing AI services, including subscription-based models, task-based charges and outcome-driven pricing.

This shift could help Pakistani agencies develop more scalable business models while competing in increasingly technology-driven international markets.

Google Highlights AI’s Role in Global Marketing Expansion

Expanding into international markets requires more than delivering quality services. Businesses must also understand local audiences, cultural preferences and customer behaviour.

During the event, Google’s Customer Solutions team demonstrated how artificial intelligence tools can simplify localisation and help Pakistani companies reach customers in different markets.

AI-powered localisation can help agencies adapt marketing campaigns, improve communication and expand their international reach while managing operational costs.

These capabilities could create new opportunities for smaller agencies seeking to compete with established international service providers.

P@SHA Highlights Policy Support for $15 Billion IT Export Target

Policy development and industry advocacy also featured prominently at Payoneer Connect Lahore.

P@SHA Vice Chairman Samad Saleem outlined ongoing policy and advocacy efforts aimed at supporting Pakistan’s digital services industry and enabling businesses to expand their exports.

His remarks came as the government pursues an ambitious target of achieving $15 billion in IT exports by 2030.

Achieving this goal will require stronger industry collaboration, supportive policies, improved international market access and continued investment in digital capabilities.

Payoneer Connect Lahore Highlights Pakistan’s Export Potential

The discussions at Payoneer Connect Lahore highlighted an important transition for Pakistan’s marketing and digital services sector. While the 19% increase in advertising and market research exports signals encouraging progress, the next stage will depend on the industry’s ability to deliver specialised services and compete internationally.

With artificial intelligence reshaping marketing operations and global businesses seeking flexible digital partners, Pakistani agencies have an opportunity to move beyond traditional outsourcing towards higher-value solutions.

By connecting agencies with industry leaders, technology experts and global business insights, Payoneer Connect Lahore reinforced the potential of Pakistan Marketing Exports to become a stronger contributor to the country’s digital economy.