Due to the country’s precarious economic situation, many businesses have closed permanently, shifted abroad, or scaled back operations. Despite the challenges, Pakistan has its fair share of B2B companies that have made a name for themselves in the local and international markets. These companies operate in different industries, including logistics and IT. iBytes.io will talk about the top 10 B2B companies in Pakistan. Before doing so, let’s focus on what B2B is, as not everyone may be familiar with the term or know its proper meaning.
What is B2B?
B2B stands for business-to-business. It is a business model in which an organisation sells its products or services to another organisation. Let’s consider a business-to-business example for better understanding. Suppose an IT company in Pakistan offers web development services to a digital marketing agency in the US. The transaction is between two businesses rather than between a business and an individual.
Another B2B example is iBytes.io, which offers automation services to other organisations. When a business sells its product or services to a consumer, it is called business-to-consumer (B2C) e.g., Amazon. The third most popular business model is consumer-to-consumer, or C2C. It involves consumers selling directly to other consumers. Facebook Marketplace and eBay are perfect examples of the C2C model.
Now that you know what B2B stands for and have gained a comprehensive understanding through B2B examples, let’s go through Pakistan’s top B2B companies.
Pakistan’s Top 10 B2B Companies
Pakistan has many B2B companies that deserve a mention here. They employ thousands of individuals (directly and indirectly) and pay billions in taxes. However, iBytes.io will only focus on the top 10 B2B companies. After careful research, the following companies made the list.
1. Bazaar Technologies
It is not only a B2B company but also one of the leading startups in Pakistan. Its purpose is to transform the B2B environment in Pakistan. The company leverages technology and data to make it easier for businesses to procure materials. However, it extends far beyond procurement and provides payment services. Bazaar Technologies will undoubtedly play a crucial role in digitising the B2B sector in Pakistan.
2. Systems Limited
It is one of the top IT companies in Pakistan, providing numerous business process outsourcing services. The company posted a net profit of Rs. 4.38 billion for 2021, an indicator of the trust businesses place in Systems Limited. While the company develops in-house solutions, it has partnered with leading organisations globally. It is a Microsoft Solutions Partner, helping businesses benefit from Microsoft’s wide range of products and services.
3. iBytes.io
Although a relatively newer B2B company in Pakistan, it has quickly earned a reputation as a reliable partner. iBytes.io specialises in digital solutions, automation, and data management. The company boasts clients across the globe from different industries. This business’s commitment to innovation makes it a top choice for many. It utilises the latest technologies and best practices to help businesses stay ahead of the competition. To know more about what iBytes.io can do for your business, go to Contact Us.
4. Ufone
Most Pakistanis know Ufone only as a GSM cellular service provider. However, Ufone has a dedicated business process outsourcing (BPO) division. Its sole focus is to leverage Ufone’s assets to help other businesses achieve their objectives. Its services include quality management, contact centre service, business automation, and more. You can get a detailed overview of Ufone’s B2B services here.
5. Jazz
Jazz, another GSM cellular service provider, has a dedicated B2B department. It offers businesses state-of-the-art Internet of Things B2B solutions, mobile device management, workforce management, and site surveillance. Given the company’s dominance in the telecom sector, one can expect the same quality services from its B2B division. You can find more details about its B2B services here.
6. Dastgyr
Small and medium businesses (SMBs) are the backbone of a country’s economy. They account for about 90% of businesses worldwide and employ 50% of the workforce. Interestingly, they contribute 40% to the GDP of emerging economies. You can find more information about the importance of SMBS here. Dastgyr’s mission is to streamline transactions between SMBs. The focus is not on Pakistan alone, as the company has global ambitions.
7. Afiniti
There are numerous customer call centres operating in Pakistan. Most foreign companies outsource this function to countries like Pakistan and India due to the significantly lower labour costs. However, Afiniti is not your typical call centre. It harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to transform the quality of conversations. As a result, businesses benefit from more loyal customers.
8. PTCL
In Pakistan, PTCL is the largest internet service provider in terms of revenue and market share. It is also a top choice for B2B services such as data centres, security solutions (e.g., endpoint security, anti-DDOS, managed firewalls), and selected managed IT services (e.g., IT infrastructure upgrades, software licensing). The company posted a net profit of Rs. 6.9 billion. Given Pakistan’s challenging telecom sector, this profit indicates PTCL’s excellent client satisfaction and superior quality.
9. Finja
Pakistani entrepreneurs recognise the importance of SMBs for a country’s economy. This is why many startups are focused on this segment alone. Finja targets micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Its purpose is to provide this business segment with accessible financial services. Finja offers instant business loans, allowing them to continue operations without worrying about working capital.
10. Engro Enfrashare
Similar to iBytes.io, this company has only been recently established. It started operating in 2019 but quickly gained a significant market share. The company operates in Pakistan’s telecom sector, providing designing, constructing, and managing telecom infrastructure network services. Engro Enfrashare is the largest telecom tower company in Pakistan.
B2B Trends in Pakistan
A discussion on B2B companies in Pakistan is incomplete without discussing the current trends. They are crucial to understanding the present B2B scenario and its future.
Digitalisation
We are living in the digital age. Businesses are no longer content with the traditional way of conducting business as it is inconvenient, time-consuming, and outdated. Pakistan’s organisations recognise the benefits of digitalisation, such as streamlined operations, and demand the same from their B2B partners. IT companies in Pakistan will play a critical role in helping businesses undertake digital transformation projects.
Sustainability Practices
It may come as a surprise to many, but a lot of B2B companies in Pakistan are recognising the importance of sustainability practices. They are incorporating international best practices in different areas, such as ethical sourcing, sustainable resource consumption, and environmental protection. A significant reason behind this drastic change is the devastating impact of climate change. Secondly, a lot of B2B companies in Pakistan work with international clients. These clients make it mandatory for their vendors and suppliers to adopt sustainable measures.
B2B eCommerce
Pakistan is seeing an increase in B2B eCommerce. B2B eCommerce means online websites that facilitate transactions between businesses. B2B examples in eCommerce include Alibaba. Bazaar Technologies and Dastgyr are Pakistani B2B examples in eCommerce.
Challenges and Opportunities for B2B Companies in Pakistan
Pakistan’s B2B sector faces unique challenges and opportunities. These include:
Geopolitical Position
Pakistan’s geopolitical position cannot be ignored. It occupies an important place from a political and geographical perspective. If the Government of Pakistan adopts the right policies, Pakistani businesses can benefit from partnerships with Chinese and Central Asian companies. It will bring much-needed revenue to the country and generate employment for thousands.
Infrastructure Development
Pakistan’s infrastructure is debilitated. Infrastructure needs to be invested, as it is the backbone of economic activity. Pakistan’s B2B companies cannot enter meaningful partnerships with international businesses without drastic improvements. While infrastructure is a challenge, it can also be considered an opportunity. B2B companies can combine resources to present meaningful solutions for Pakistan’s infrastructure woes.
Regulatory Environment
Successive governments have shown interest in regulating sectors to improve economic documentation and fulfil international commitments. Too much regulation can stifle growth and make Pakistani B2B companies less competitive and lucrative. Therefore, stakeholders need to be engaged to determine the appropriate regulatory controls.
Newer Markets
Globalisation and digitalisation have made it easier to access international markets. If Pakistan’s B2B companies can ensure quality and competitiveness, they can exploit opportunities in foreign markets. For this, the Government of Pakistan needs to address the issues facing Pakistani B2B companies in every sector. Otherwise, Pakistani businesses will lag behind their competitors.
Payment Mechanisms
B2C payment mechanisms are easy to develop and implement. Alibaba Pakistan’s Country Manager considers B2B payment systems more complex but imperative to grow B2B linkages. Pakistan lacks robust B2B payment systems, and one needs to be urgently developed.
Laws
Pakistan must introduce laws governing B2B relations and ensure they are compatible with the modern age. Secondly, reforms need to be introduced in the court system. B2B issues must be resolved urgently to ensure businesses can focus on their core activities. A better option is to set up tribunals that resolve B2B matters. This alternate dispute resolution (ADR) type has proven quite successful in other countries.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s B2B sector holds immense potential. To realise this potential, B2B companies in Pakistan must exploit the opportunities at hand and address the challenges comprehensively rather than stop-gap arrangements. It would require all stakeholders to sit together and devise policies that benefit the B2B sector.
