Pakistan–U.S. Tech Connect 2026, co-hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and OPEN Global, brought together a large number of companies from across the American Midwest, Pakistani technology firms, policymakers and business leaders to explore commercial partnerships and opportunities in the digital economy.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, opened the conference, highlighting the potential for stronger technology cooperation between the two countries. He underscored the opportunity to connect Pakistan’s growing technology capabilities with American business needs through sustained, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Drawing attention to Pakistan’s youthful demography, Ambassador Sheikh encouraged US technology companies to enhance their profitability by opting for Pakistan’s low cost and high quality human capital.
Illinois State Representative Justin Slaughter and State Senator Laura Murphy addressed the conference. Daniel Bellefleur, Vice President for Foreign Direct Investment at the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, also spoke, contributing the state’s economic development perspective.
PSEB CEO Faisal Jeddy addressed the conference on Pakistan’s IT landscape and emerging business opportunities. He highlighted the country’s skilled professionals, competitive costs and growing capacity to deliver advanced technology solutions. Ignite CEO Bilal Abbasi discussed Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, while OPEN Global President Tariq Khan outlined opportunities for collaboration.
Presentations by Pakistani technology companies showcased their capabilities and offerings for American businesses. Participating firms included Strategic Systems International, 10Pearls, Abacus, Systems Limited, Nextbridge, Addo AI, Excellence Delivered, Folio3 and TMC.
Panel discussions examined how Pakistani technology companies can build and scale enterprise partnerships across the United States, understand buying behaviour in the American middle market and develop effective market-entry strategies. A session on moving beyond outsourcing explored what U.S. enterprise buyers and investors seek in Pakistani technology companies.
Networking sessions enabled Midwest companies and the visiting delegation to discuss business needs, identify potential partners and explore follow-up engagements.
In closing remarks, Consul General Zaman Mehdi thanked the participants and partners, highlighting the cooperation among government, private enterprise and the Pakistani-American diaspora that made the conference possible. OPEN Chicago Chairman Aamir Chalisa also delivered concluding remarks.
