Recognising the Trust Barrier in Pak-US E-commerce: Factors Behind Trust Deficit
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14581193Keywords:
E-commerce, Pak-US Trust Deficit, Pak-US Trade Relations, Modern Diplomacy, Trade Innovation, Pakistan-USA Relations, Pak-US E-commerce, Pak-USA E-commerce TradeAbstract
Purpose: This research aims to examine the trust barriers that hinder Pakistan's integration into the global e-commerce landscape, specifically focusing on the hesitancy of US-based platforms such as Amazon, eBay, PayPal, and Stripe to operate in Pakistan. It seeks to uncover how negligence, malpractices, and security concerns have contributed to this challenge and to propose actionable solutions for bridging the trust gap.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopts a qualitative approach, leveraging secondary sources, government reports, and literature on trust in economic relationships.
Findings: The research reveals that trust is a pivotal factor in economic prosperity and trade efficiency. Pakistan’s regulatory shortcomings, coupled with malpractices in customs and an underdeveloped digital payment infrastructure, have created significant barriers to attracting global e-commerce entities. The findings highlight the need for Pakistan to strengthen its regulatory framework, improve operational security, and address inefficiencies to foster trust and encourage international participation in its e-commerce market.
Implications/Originality/Value: This study contributes original insights into the role of trust in bilateral e-commerce relations, focusing on the underexplored case of Pakistan. Identifying trust barriers provides valuable guidance for stakeholders aiming to enhance Pakistan’s e-commerce ecosystem. The implications extend to improving economic growth and fostering global trade partnerships, addressing a research gap that has received limited attention in the context of developing nations.
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