Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, H.E. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, addressed Pak–U.S. Tech Connect 2026 in Dallas, Texas, which brought together leading Pakistani technology companies, American business executives, investors, and members of the Pakistani-American community to explore opportunities for bilateral technology cooperation, investment, and strategic business partnerships.
Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., the Consulate General of Pakistan in Houston, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and OPEN Global, the Conference formed part of the broader Pak–U.S. Tech Connect 2026 initiative, aimed at expanding Pakistan’s footprint in the U.S. technology market and fostering long-term commercial and technological partnerships.
Addressing the Conference, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh highlighted the strategic importance of technology cooperation in Pakistan–U.S. economic relations. Describing the United States as a global hub of technological innovation and Pakistan's largest IT export market, he emphasized the immense opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration, particularly in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. He noted that Pakistan’s youthful population, with approximately 60–65% below the age of 30, afforded a significant demographic advantage and a strong foundation for the evolving global knowledge-based economy.
The Ambassador stated that the 2026 Tech Conference series had adopted a more focused, business-oriented format, featuring approximately 13–14 established Pakistani technology companies with proven international experience and demonstrated capabilities. He emphasized that the objective was to move beyond merely showcasing Pakistan’s technology sector to demonstrating its ability to deliver world-class solutions and forge commercially meaningful partnerships. Highlighting Pakistan’s “potential, prowess, promise, and profitability”, he encouraged American enterprises to explore, partner with and benefit from the country's expanding technological capabilities and competitive advantages.
Ambassador Sheikh also underscored the vital role of Pakistani-American technology professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in connecting Pakistan's technology industry with American enterprises. He encouraged the diaspora to actively facilitate business linkages, promote Pakistan as a reliable and competitive technology partner, and contribute to strengthening its global reputation. He reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting sustained technology cooperation, investment facilitation, and long-term commercial partnerships between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Mr. Faisal Jeddy, highlighted the sustained growth and international competitiveness of Pakistan’s IT industry. He informed participants that Pakistan produces approximately 70,000 IT and computer science graduates annually, while IT exports had grown at an average annual rate of around 21% over the preceding four years, reaching approximately US$435 million in September 2026. He noted that the United States accounts for approximately 57% of Pakistan’s IT exports and remains the industry’s most important international market.
Highlighting the growing capabilities of Pakistani companies in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, and enterprise solutions, he encouraged Pakistani-American professionals to facilitate corporate introductions and business partnerships, while reaffirming PSEB’s commitment to supporting investors and addressing operational challenges in coordination with relevant institutions, including the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
The Conference featured presentations by leading Pakistani technology companies highlighting their international experience, innovative solutions, and successful engagements with global clients. Focused business-to-business interactions provided opportunities for Pakistani companies to engage with American corporate executives, investors, technology buyers, and strategic partners from Dallas–Fort Worth and other parts of Texas.
Participants emphasized the importance of translating these engagements into tangible commercial opportunities, technology partnerships, and sustained investment relationships.
The Dallas conference formed part of the multi-city Pak–US Tech Connect 2026 series, which included engagements in California and Dallas, with sequels scheduled in Washington, D.C., on October 21 and Chicago on October 23, 2026.
The initiative reflects Pakistan’s continued efforts to strengthen its position as a globally competitive technology destination and expand innovation-driven economic cooperation with the United States.
