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.
