Pakistan-American Business Leaders hosts Reception in Honor of Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh
Los Angeles : Pakistan-American Chambers of Commerce (PACC) hosted a Reception in honor of Mr. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, the Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States. Prominent members of Pakistani-American business community and business leaders belonging to sectors including technology, logistics, apparel, food and beverage, construction, and venture capital joined the Reception and participated in the discussions.
The Consul General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, Mr. Asim Ali Khan and Trade and Investment Counsellor were also present on the occasion.
In his keynote address, the Ambassador emphasized significance of Pak-U.S. trade and investment relations, noting that the United States remains Pakistan’s largest export destination, with total bilateral trade reaching USD 7.5 billion in 2024, and Pakistani exports to the U.S. accounting for nearly 20% of its global shipments. He reiterated commitment of the government to further deepen trade volume in coming years to the mutual benefit of both countries.
The Ambassador noted that Pakistan offers a dynamic and forward-looking investment environment, backed by competitive incentives, a young workforce, and growing infrastructure. He said that “we are strategically positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East—serving as a natural trade and transit gateway to nearly half the world’s population within a 6-hour flight radius.”
The Ambassador also underscored Pakistan’s progress under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a whole-of-government initiative aimed at streamlining investment approvals, accelerating regulatory clearances, and promoting public-private partnerships. He invited American businesses to explore new opportunities in IT, agriculture, renewable energy, textiles, and manufacturing, adding that Pakistan’s startup ecosystem had attracted over $700 million in venture funding in recent years and continues to grow.
He noted that with over 64% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, Pakistan is not only a market of 250 million consumers—it is an innovation hub in the making. He emphasized that the Embassy of Pakistan in the United States and Consulate General of Pakistan in Los Angeles are committed to economic diplomacy that positions Pakistan as a reliable long-term partner for U.S. investors looking for scalable supply chains and entry points into emerging regional markets.
Participants discussed the importance of strengthening diaspora-led entrepreneurship, improving access to U.S. markets through better logistics and digital infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between U.S. chambers and Pakistani industry bodies such as TDAP, PSEB, BOI, and SMEDA.
In his remarks, Consul General Asim Ali Khan thanked the PACC leadership for their continuous efforts in building bridges between the business communities of both nations. He reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to supporting Pakistani entrepreneurs in the U.S. and connecting them with credible partners back home.
The PACC reaffirmed its continued support in organizing future delegations, investment forums, and trade promotion events, particularly in the California innovation corridor where many Pakistani-American entrepreneurs are already making their mark in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
