The visit of Deputy Speaker New York State Assembly Mr. Phil Ramos to Pakistan has paved
the way for establishment of sister-state relations with New York City. It was also decided by the two
sides during the visit to take practical steps for strengthening bilateral cooperation in healthcare sector
and creating greater opportunities for paramedical staff from Pakistan to serve in the United States.
During a meeting of Ambassador Masood Khan with a delegation of American Pakistan Public
Affairs Committee (APPAC), held virtually, it was informed that the US side had also agreed to facilitate
Pak business community in organizing tradeshows and holding exhibitions in New York and other cities
of the United States to showcase Pakistani products and strengthen ties between the two countries.
The Ambassador was apprised by APPAC delegation that three committees, comprising
representatives of Pak Chamber of Commerce, APPAC and Deputy Speaker’s Office, have been
constituted to chalk out a roadmap for implementation of the decisions.
Ambassador Masood Khan welcomed the outcome of the visit. He appreciated APPAC for
playing a commendable role in strengthening trade and investment ties and promoting people-to-people
contacts between Pakistan and the United States.
Appreciating the idea of establishment of sister-state relationship with New York, Masood Khan
said that the arrangement would provide as a strong framework for forging multifaceted long-term ties in
diverse areas. He said that sister-state agreements between California and Punjab and Sindh and
Georgia provide a blueprint for a strong partnership with New York.
Calling upon the business community and APPAC to start working on the agreed proposal
immediately, the Ambassador assured all possible support from Pak trade officers in crystallizing
proposals to concrete set of actions with delineated timelines.
Masood Khan also highlighted huge trade and investment opportunities that awaited US
investments especially in IT, renewable energy, agriculture and extractive industries.
Pointing out exponential growth of tech-startups in the country and the significant investment
from VC firms from Silicon Valley, the Ambassador said that digitalization of economy and efforts to
introducing IT based solutions for service delivery has created huge opportunity for profitable
investments.
“Contribute towards making Pakistan economically strong by scaling up your investments in the
country,” said the Ambassador.
APPAC members thanked Ambassador Masood Khan for his continued support and guidance
to the organization in fulfilling its mission of serving the two countries and its peoples.
Separately, the Ambassador also had a virtual meeting with the representatives of Pakistan
Information and Cultural Organization (PICO) Arizona, Pakistan Society of North Texas (PSNT) and
Pakistani American Association, Tampa Bay, Florida. Consul General Los Angeles Asim Ali Khan and
CG Houston Aftab Ahmed Chaudhry were also present in the meeting.
The representatives of various diaspora bodies briefed the Ambassador about social and
philanthropic activities of the Pakistani community in their respective areas. They also highlighted the
role being played by the community members at the county, district and the state level.
The representatives of various bodies appreciated the efforts of Ambassador Masood Khan in
brining all Pakistani organizations in the United States under one roof and providing them a platform to
unite and work together for shared interests.
Expressing satisfaction over the growing role of Pakistani community in the United States and
their contributions toward US society, Ambassador Masood Khan urged diaspora bodies to work in
unison and create synergies for greater impact of their activities.
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