The PUAN Masterclass 2026 concluded today with a closing ceremony featuring remarks by Andrew Halus, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, U.S. Mission to Pakistan, and Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley Pakistan, who commended participants for successfully completing an intensive five-day journey focused on digital trade, entrepreneurship, and export readiness.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Halus emphasized the importance of digital skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship in preparing Pakistan’s next generation of business leaders for opportunities in the global economy.
Highlighting the significance of the Google certification earned by participants, he noted: The Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate these entrepreneurs earned is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates they’ve met American standards in digital commerce. The United States is Pakistan’s largest export market, and these alumni are now equipped to access it.”
Mr. Halus underscored the role of digital commerce, technology, and workforce development in expanding economic opportunities and helping entrepreneurs compete in international markets.
In his remarks, Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley Pakistan, congratulated participants on their achievement and encouraged them to continue applying the knowledge, tools, and networks developed during the Masterclass. He emphasized that the true success of the program will be measured by the businesses participants build, the jobs they create, and the impact they generate within their communities over the coming months and years.
The ceremony marked the culmination of the five-day PUAN Masterclass 2026: E-Commerce and Digital Trade: Building Pakistan-U.S. Economic Partnerships, organized by the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) in partnership with Tech Valley Pakistan and with the support of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan.
Earlier in the day, participants presented their six-month export roadmaps, demonstrating how they plan to transform the knowledge and skills gained throughout the week into practical business growth strategies and export-oriented ventures.
The capstone presentations showcased the diversity, innovation, and entrepreneurial ambition of the cohort. Participants presented actionable plans for scaling businesses, entering international markets, strengthening digital presence, improving logistics and payment systems, and leveraging e-commerce to expand market access.
The ventures represented a broad cross-section of Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including agriculture, handicrafts, fashion and apparel, legal services, creative industries, educational products, pet supplies, heritage-based businesses and much more.
