Islamabad, January 08, 2026 — The Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI), in collaboration with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), organized a highly engaging and informative seminar at the FPCCI Islamabad office to honor prominent US-based Pakistani businessman and journalist Farooq Mirza for his outstanding contributions to enhancing Pakistan-American trade and bilateral relations. During the event, Mirza, who is also the President of the Fourth Pillar Media Organization, was presented with a trophy and shields in recognition of his tireless efforts.
The seminar built on a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the United States between IWCCI and the Fourth Pillar Media Organization. This agreement was formalized during IWCCI Founder President Samina Fazil’s recent delegation visit to America, where Farooq Mirza and Fourth Pillar facilitated high-level meetings with the Trade and Investment Minister of Pakistan, Turkish Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Greater New York Chamber, Korean Chamber, and other prominent American trade bodies. Ms. Fazil effectively represented Pakistan, showcasing women’s manufacturing capabilities and products, which has already enabled many Pakistani women entrepreneurs to market their goods in the US while importing advanced technology and machinery.
The primary objective of the seminar was to introduce Farooq Mirza to a new generation of women entrepreneurs eager to launch businesses and sell innovative products in American markets. The event commenced with emotional and grateful remarks from Samina Fazil, who extended special thanks for Mirza’s extraordinary hospitality during the short-notice New York delegation. She vividly recounted how Mirza arranged a magnificent gala dinner attended by the full Pakistani delegation, local business leaders, high-ranking government officials, ambassadors, and consuls—a rare honor that she contrasted with the lack of mutual respect often seen within Pakistan. Drawing from her 36 years of business experience, Fazil praised Mirza as the only personality who presents a realistic and encouraging picture of America, motivating women by saying, “Come and see for yourselves how many opportunities there are,” instead of instilling fear like others.
Farooq Mirza, affiliated with multiple global trade organizations including the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Greater New York Chamber, Turkish, and Korean Chambers, shared his extensive experiences in bridging markets. He highlighted successful initiatives such as connecting Pakistani women with Turkish chambers, displaying products on high-traffic walls in Brooklyn, arranging one-on-one buyer meetings, and interactions with trade representatives. A notable success story was a COVID-era program starting with just 10 women in Faisalabad, which has now expanded to over 375 participants. In this initiative, simple suits are branded, packaged to international standards, and sold for around Rs.1800 in the US through networks like flea markets.
Mirza provided practical examples of easy-export products, including Pakistani handicrafts, phone cases, rings, pink salt (leveraging Pakistan’s massive 82 billion ton reserves for decoration, pharmaceuticals, makeup, and spa items), dried fruits, saffron, mustard oil, and other healing oils. He advised starting small with investments of $500 to $1000, stressing the critical importance of international-standard packaging, contracts, payments, branding, and compliance with American laws.
Warning against past mistakes, Mirza noted that many vendors previously engaged in improper practices just to secure US visas, resulting in red flags on companies and denials. He reassured attendees that US and European business visas are among the easiest for genuine entrepreneurs and offered voluntary guidance on legal company registrations, partnerships, and avoiding frauds. He introduced an innovative business networking model: women forming groups of 10 to share business cards, become mutual clients, promote each other’s work in Pakistan, gradually expand the network (similar to US breakfast networking events), build personal brands, and shift products to digital platforms. Additionally, he offered media coverage, product promotion through Fourth Pillar’s platforms, and free certification courses.
The event featured an exhibition where women participants displayed various handmade samples, adding a vibrant hands-on element. Distinguished guests included Chairman Coordination Malik Sohail Hussain and Karim Aziz Malik, an FPCCI executive officer and rice mill owner, whose presence elevated the proceedings. The atmosphere turned particularly inspiring when Chairman Coordination Hussain praised women’s capabilities, their patriotism, and Farooq Mirza’s pivotal role in boosting Pakistan-US trade. He described Fourth Pillar in America as a “home away from home” for Pakistani trade and investment delegations, where visitors are always valued and connected to new markets.
Several FPCCI leaders, including a rice exporter who shared his journey from humble beginnings to exporting 40-50 containers to 26 countries, endorsed Mirza’s efforts and encouraged participation in global fairs like Gulf Food in Dubai. Participants from sectors such as digital marketing and handbag manufacturing raised practical questions on US company registration, bulk exports, and partnerships; Mirza provided clear legal explanations and even committed to facilitating the first consignment for one handbag manufacturer.
Introducing Ms. Fazil, Mirza lauded her as a brilliant leader playing a pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan-US trade and relations, having inspired countless women entrepreneurs. He emphasized that Pakistani women are eager to do business and that ongoing efforts will provide them robust support.
The seminar concluded with the distribution of shields, a group photo, and active planning for an upcoming women’s delegation to the US. Attendees expressed strong determination to achieve financial independence and contribute to stronger bilateral trade through the practical guidance shared.
This event stands as a shining testament to growing collaborations between Pakistani women entrepreneurs and US-based platforms like Fourth Pillar, fostering export growth, economic empowerment, technological exchange, and deeper Pakistan-US ties.
