“A strong sister province partnership between California and Punjab in the areas of agriculture, education, industry and IT entrepreneurship would help exploiting untapped economic potential and promote greater people to people exchanges,” said Masood Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States. “The economy of California, on one hand, and a vibrant middle class of largest populated province of Pakistan, on the other could create the required synergies for nurturing a mutually beneficial and win-win partnership,” he continued. Ambassador Masood Khan made these remarks while addressing Pakistani-American community leaders, California lawmakers, educationists and social entrepreneurs at a reception hosted by Dr. Asif Mahmood, a prominent leader and politician, at his residence. The reception was attended among others by Rep. Judy Chu, California State Assembly member Chris Holden, Former secretary Labor Hilda Solis, representatives from State Assembly and a large number of Pak-American community leaders. Former Prime Minister Senator Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani was also present on the occasion. Chairman Plannng and Development Wasif Khurshid represented the province of Punjab. Welcoming Pakistani delegation to California, Congresswoman Judi Chu highlighted similarities between California and Punjab including strong agricultural bases and vibrant population of the two sides. “This will be a start of wonderful partnership between California and Punjab as we have so many commonalities to build up on,” Congresswoman observed. Ambassador Masood Khan thanked Dr. Asif Mahmood for the warm welcome and for continuously working to project soft image of Pakistan in California. Highlighting the strengths of Pak-US relationship, Ambassador Khan said that the decades long bilateral relationship was characterized by ‘longevity and resilience’. “From the Cold War and post-Cold War periods, we have brought this legacy of cooperation to the era of new technological age, which is constantly transforming regional and global landscapes,” he continued. “The spirit of solidarity between our two nations continues,” said Pakistan’s top envoy to the United States. Masood Khan highlighted the critical role of Pakistani diaspora in cementing mutual bonds of friendship and serving as a ‘bridge’ between the two countries as well as Punjab and California. “More than 200,000 Pak-Americans in California and West Coast are acting as a catalyst in our relationship,” he continued. The Ambassador highlighted recent spurt in bilateral trade volume and observed that there existed huge potential especially in tech and IT sectors to enhance bilateral trade volume. Masood Khan expressed the hope that a strong partnership between California and Punjab would be instrumental in tapping the existing potential for mutual benefit of the people.
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