ISLAMABAD: A U.S.-backed initiative has successfully concluded a five-day business accelerator program aimed at enhancing the digital trade skills of 50 Pakistani entrepreneurs, equipping them to compete in international e-commerce markets. The program, held at the U.S. Educational Foundation headquarters in Islamabad, was organized by the U.S. Mission Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network and Tech Valley Pakistan.

According to the Embassy of the United States of America, the initiative, titled “E-Commerce and Digital Trade: Building the U.S.-Pakistan Economic Partnership,” was conducted from June 8-12. Entrepreneurs from diverse industries, including artisan crafts, agriculture, fashion, software development, and health, were selected through a competitive process to participate in the program. The initiative aimed to bolster Pakistan’s digital trade capabilities, with the United States being the country’s largest export market.

Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim Andrew Halus, emphasized the U.S. commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Pakistan during the program’s closing ceremony. Halus highlighted the potential for participants to access the U.S. market and expand their digital trade presence. Participants were awarded the Google Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Professional Certificate, enhancing their business credentials.

Google for Education contributed to the program by providing digital tools and integrating resources, alongside offering professional certification. The training covered building online stores, understanding digital trade regulations, and managing logistics and supply chains. By the program’s end, each entrepreneur had developed an online store, learned to navigate regulations, secured logistics partnerships, and mastered AI-powered marketing tools. Participants also received personalized export roadmap plans to bring their products to global audiences.

The entrepreneurs’ products reflect the diversity of Pakistani industry, including handcrafted goods, agricultural products like dried mangoes and organic oils, and fashion items such as shawls and jewelry. Tech Valley Pakistan, a partner of Google for Education and Canva for Education, delivered technology solutions, training, and consultancy services. Operating in Pakistan, Canada, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, Tech Valley Pakistan has reached over 500,000 individuals globally.