US-backed accelerator equips Pakistani entrepreneurs for global e-commerce expansion

ISLAMABAD: The U.S. Mission in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) and Tech Valley Pakistan, has concluded a five-day business accelerator programme aimed at enhancing the digital trade capabilities of Pakistani entrepreneurs and helping them compete more effectively in international e-commerce markets.

The programme, titled “E-Commerce and Digital Trade: Building the U.S.-Pakistan Economic Partnership,” was held from June 8 to 12 at the newly established headquarters of the U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) in Islamabad.

A total of 50 entrepreneurs from across Pakistan were selected through a competitive nationwide process. The participants represented a diverse range of sectors, including artisan crafts, agriculture, fashion, software development, and healthcare.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Andrew Halus reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic growth through entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital trade.

“The United States is Pakistan’s largest export market. You are now equipped to access that market and expand digital trade,” Halus told the graduating entrepreneurs. He also noted that the professional certifications awarded during the programme would enhance participants’ business credentials and global competitiveness.

The initiative received support from Google through its Google for Education platform, which provided digital learning tools, educational resources, and access to the Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate programme.

During the training, participants received hands-on instruction in building online stores, navigating international digital trade regulations, managing logistics and supply chains, and leveraging artificial intelligence-powered marketing tools.

By the conclusion of the programme, each entrepreneur had developed a functioning online storefront, established logistics partnerships, gained a deeper understanding of global e-commerce requirements, and created a customised export roadmap to help expand their products into international markets.

The graduating cohort showcased a wide variety of Pakistani products and services, including handcrafted goods, dried mangoes, organic oils, fashion apparel, shawls, jewellery, software solutions, and other export-oriented products.

Organisers said the initiative reflects growing efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States by promoting digital trade, entrepreneurship, and access to global markets.

Tech Valley Pakistan, a designated Google for Education and Canva for Education partner, provided technology solutions, training, and consultancy services for the programme. The organisation operates in Pakistan, Canada, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, and has reached more than 500,000 individuals through its educational and technology initiatives.