A five-day business accelerator program supported by the U.S. Mission in Pakistan recently concluded in Islamabad, equipping 50 Pakistani entrepreneurs with essential digital trade skills to boost their presence in international e-commerce markets.
In a significant development, the initiative, titled “E-Commerce and Digital Trade: Building the U.S.-Pakistan Economic Partnership,” was collaboratively organised by the U.S. Mission Pakistan, the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), and Tech Valley Pakistan. The event took place from June 8 to 12 at the newly inaugurated headquarters of the U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP).
Participants were selected through a competitive nationwide process and represented diverse sectors such as handicrafts, agriculture, fashion, software development, and healthcare products. This diversity highlighted the broad scope of Pakistan’s small business landscape.
At the closing ceremony, Chargé d’Affaires Andrew Halus emphasized Washington’s ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Pakistan, recognizing the country as a vital trading partner. He noted that the participants are now better equipped to access global markets, particularly through enhanced digital skills that expand export opportunities.
The program combined hands-on training with certification, including the Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate. Entrepreneurs received instruction on establishing online stores, understanding digital trade regulations, managing logistics and supply chains, and leveraging AI-driven marketing tools.
By the program’s conclusion, each participant had developed an online storefront along with a tailored export roadmap to facilitate reaching international buyers. The products showcased ranged from handcrafted items and agricultural goods like dried mangoes and organic oils to apparel, shawls, and jewelry.
Tech Valley Pakistan, a partner of Google for Education and Canva for Education, provided technical support and training throughout the program. Operating across Pakistan, Canada, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, Tech Valley Pakistan has impacted over 500,000 learners worldwide.
