The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), in collaboration with the Pak-America Business Forum (PABF), recently hosted the 5th Pak-America Business Summit at a hotel in Islamabad. This event brought together key figures from both Pakistan and the United States to explore new opportunities for trade, investment, and cooperation.
Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator on Climate Change and the event’s chief guest, highlighted the strong relationship between Pakistan and the U.S., describing them as “best friends and trading partners.” She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, particularly in environmental and business initiatives. Alam’s address underscored the commitment to mutual growth and sustainable practices between the two nations.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Natalie A. Baker, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of the U.S.-Pakistan trade partnership. She noted that the United States is Pakistan’s largest export market, accounting for approximately 16 percent of the country’s total exports annually. Baker also highlighted that over 80 U.S. firms operating in Pakistan directly employ 120,000 Pakistanis and indirectly provide livelihoods to over 1 million workers. She emphasized the U.S. government’s active role in connecting American and Pakistani businesses, which helps strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat delivered the keynote address, stressing the vast potential for increasing trade and investment between the two countries. He urged further collaboration to achieve mutual economic goals, highlighting that the summit provided a platform for exchanging views, identifying trade barriers, and sharing sector-specific information to enhance cooperation. Shaukat encouraged a more coordinated approach to promoting U.S. private sector interests in Pakistan.
Waqar Khan, Chairman of the PABF, outlined the forum’s mission to facilitate trade relations and create new opportunities for businesses in both Pakistan and the U.S. He emphasized the role of the forum in bridging gaps and fostering stronger economic ties.
Anwar Azam, President of PABF, assured full support for Pakistani businesses seeking to expand into the U.S. market. He reiterated the forum’s commitment to acting as a key enabler for these businesses, offering assistance in navigating the complexities of international trade.
Sohail Altaf, former RCCI President, stressed the importance of facilitating business delegation exchanges through the U.S. Embassy to unlock Pakistan’s export potential in the U.S. market. He emphasized that such exchanges could play a vital role in forging stronger trade relations between the two countries.
The summit attracted senior RCCI leadership, business community representatives, women entrepreneurs, and officials from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), highlighting the broad interest in strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and the U.S. This event not only focused on enhancing trade relations but also on fostering long-term partnerships for sustained economic development.