CHICAGO, Oct 26 (APP):Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, on Monday held a series of meetings here this week aimed at strengthening technology links between Pakistan and the United States and engaging the city’s Pakistani-American professionals and business leaders.
The programme brought him together with technology executives, entrepreneurs, economic development representatives and elected officials. The goal, according to the Embassy of Pakistan, was to explore opportunities for trade, investment and business partnerships.
Ambassador Sheikh led a Pakistani technology delegation to 1871, Chicago’s innovation hub, where he met CEO Betsy Ziegler. The delegation included representatives of the Pakistan Software Export Board, Ignite and private technology companies.
Discussions centred on connecting Pakistan’s growing technology sector with Chicago’s innovation ecosystem, including mentorship, enterprise partnerships and access to new markets.
The ambassador pointed to Pakistan’s expanding technology capabilities, its efforts to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure, and the readiness of Pakistani firms to compete in emerging digital markets. The visit gave Pakistani companies a chance to present their talent and services to an institution that could help link them with corporate partners, mentors and investors.
The Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce hosted a working lunch in honour of the ambassador and the visiting delegation. Chamber Chairman Dr. Tariq Butt and President Naveed Anwar welcomed the guests.
The gathering drew people from business, professional and community circles. It served as a platform to discuss stronger commercial ties and the role Pakistani-Americans can play in facilitating partnerships. Consul General Zaman Mehdi thanked the Chamber for its hospitality and support.
In the evening, OPEN Chicago organised a reception with Sheikh as chief guest. The event offered further opportunities to meet Pakistani-American professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders, with an emphasis on connecting their expertise and networks to Pakistan’s technology ambitions.
Throughout the visit, Sheikh stressed the need to turn introductions into lasting commercial relationships.
The embassy said the engagements reflected a coordinated effort by Pakistan’s diplomatic missions, technology institutions, private companies and diaspora organisations to broaden economic cooperation and position technology as a forward-looking pillar of Pakistan–U.S. relations.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
