Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh met with Congressman John Larson (CT-01) in Hartford to discuss strengthening the longstanding and consequential bilateral partnership between Pakistan and the United States.
Highlighting significance of Pak-US relations, the Ambassador emphasized that the relationship had consistently proven vital not only for both nations but for the wider free world.
The Ambassador highlighted the current unprecedented positive momentum in bilateral ties and called for transforming the goodwill into a strategic, economically entrenched partnership focused on mutually profitable propositions.
Rizwan Saeed Sheikh underscored Pakistan’s improving economic indicators including single-digit inflation, upgraded credit ratings by all three major agencies, and ongoing IMF engagement, as evidence of stability and opportunity.
He added that sectors for collaboration included information technology (where Pakistan offered 70% cost advantage over the U.S. and remained competitive with regional peers), enhanced U.S. agricultural exports (cotton, soybeans), energy, and investment through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Congressman Larson welcomed the Ambassador’s outreach and expressed strong support for deeper economic, and people-to-people ties, noting the vital role of the more than a million strong Pakistani-American community – among the higher income diaspora groups in the United States – as natural bridges for trade, investment, and political engagement.
Both sides agreed that Pakistani-Americans should lead the effort to realize “Pakistan for Profit” opportunities advantageous to both nations and pledged to work together to build an enduring, mutually rewarding partnership for current and future generations.
Meanwhile Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh visited the state of Connecticut to engage with key business leaders and explore avenues for enhanced Pak-US economic collaboration.
During his visit, Ambassador Sheikh met with Chris DiPentima, CEO of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), the largest business organization in Connecticut. The CBIA represents thousands of members from diverse industries and plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development, creating employment opportunities, and promoting a competitive business environment across the state.
Pak Counsel General in New York Aamir Ahmed Atozai and prominent Pakistani-American businessman Zahir Sharaf were also present during the meeting.
The discussions focused on strengthening Pak-US economic relations, the profitable business ventures of more than 80 US companies in Pakistan, the strategic geographic location of the country, the expertise and talent of Pakistani youth in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology sectors, and the abundant business opportunities available in the country in multiple areas. “The United States remains Pakistan’s largest export market,” Ambassador Sheikh emphasized. He further highlighted that “promoting strategic relations based on economic foundations remains the top priority for the leadership of both nations.”
The Ambassador underscored unique opportunities for U.S. investors and the business community in priority sectors such as AI, minerals & rare earth metals, and energy. “With 65% of our population comprising youth under the age of 30, ideally suited for acquiring skills in technology and AI, Pakistan offers unparalleled opportunities,” he noted.
Ambassador Sheikh highlighted abundant human resource of the country, cost and quality competitiveness, strategic location, and business-friendly government policies that positioned Pakistan as the ideal destination for investment and profitable ventures. He added that Pakistan’s economy was on a clear path to growth, with improvements in sovereign ratings by international institutions and global rating agencies serving as a testament to the world’s growing confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.
Tailoring his outreach to Connecticut’s robust economy, Ambassador Sheikh invited US investors to explore opportunities in AI, digital economy, manufacturing, energy, aviation, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. “The establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) stands as a resounding proof of the government’s commitment to investor facilitation,” the Ambassador affirmed.
Chris DiPentima, CEO of CBIA, expressed keen interest in exploring available business opportunities in Pakistan.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh assured full support, pledging to connect American business institutions and personalities with relevant Pakistani counterparts and to provide every possible facilitation for establishing and expanding operations in Pakistan.
This visit underscores Pakistan’s proactive efforts to deepen bilateral economic partnerships and attract foreign direct investment, paving the way for mutual prosperity.