Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, undertook a series of engagements in Chicago focused on strengthening Pakistan–U.S. technology linkages and deepening cooperation with the city’s Pakistani-American professional and business community. His programme included engagements with technology executives, entrepreneurs, economic development representatives and elected officials geared to exploring opportunities for trade, investment and business partnerships.
Ambassador Sheikh led a Pakistani technology delegation to 1871, Chicago’s innovation hub, where he met CEO Betsy Ziegler. The delegation included representatives of the Pakistan Software Export Board, Ignite and private technology companies. Discussions explored connections between Pakistan’s growing technology sector and Chicago’s innovation ecosystem, including opportunities for mentorship, enterprise partnerships and access to new markets.
The Ambassador highlighted Pakistan’s expanding technology capabilities, efforts to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure and the readiness of Pakistani companies to compete in emerging digital markets. The engagement afforded opportunity to introduce Pakistan’s technology talent and business offerings to an institution that would help connect with corporate partners, mentors and investors.
The Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce hosted a working lunch in honour of the Ambassador and the visiting delegation. Chamber Chairman Dr. Tariq Butt and President Naveed Anwar welcomed the guests. Bringing together representatives from various walks of life, including business, professional and community circles, the gathering provided a platform to discuss stronger commercial ties and the Pakistani-American community’s role in facilitating partnerships. Consul General Zaman Mehdi thanked the Chamber for its hospitality and support.
OPEN Chicago also organised an evening reception with Ambassador Sheikh as chief guest. The reception offered further opportunities for interaction with Pakistani-American professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders, with a focus on connecting their expertise and networks with Pakistan’s technology ambitions.
Throughout the visit, Ambassador Sheikh emphasised the importance of translating introductions into enduring commercial relationships. The engagements reflected a coordinated effort by Pakistan’s diplomatic missions, technology institutions, private companies and diaspora organisations to broaden economic cooperation and position technology as a futuristic plank of Pakistan–U.S. bilateral relations.
