American-Pakistani delegation visits Karachi

Stresses need to promote trade, investment and economic ties

KARACHI:

A delegation from the American-Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), led by Phil Ramos, Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly, visited Karachi. During their visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the delegation emphasised the need to promote trade, investment, and economic ties between the United States and Pakistan.

Describing Karachi as the “New York of Pakistan,” Ramos drew parallels between the two cities, highlighting how both play a pivotal role in supporting other states and addressing deficits for all others. He pointed out that, despite these similarities, they receive less than other areas, likening Karachi to New York.

Speaking at a meeting with members of APPAC New York at KCCI, Ramos urged KCCI to provide nominations for a proposed taskforce that would engage in regular discussions to enhance business prospects and facilitate cooperation between the United States and Pakistan.

Ramos emphasised the importance of mutual understanding and confidence, stating that isolation is detrimental to both businesses and countries. “If we are not talking to each other, not helping each other, not dealing with each other and not exposing products and possibilities, we go nowhere. I believe that the visit will bring about a positive change to Pakistan. We are here with a very unique mutually beneficial concept focused on ‘perception and confidence’ which must be present so that businesses are able to prosper as living in isolation is neither good for businesses nor for countries,” he said.

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He stressed the need to create a platform to showcase products and services from Pakistan to US citizens, as the awareness of Pakistani products in the US is relatively low. “You’ll find such platforms showcasing products made in China and India but I have yet to see a similar platform in English carrying all the details products and services being produced in Pakistan which is needed to promote businesses by bringing business communities of both countries closer to each other for mutual benefits,” he said. He also highlighted the potential for agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in various areas, including economic development, health, and businesses. Furthermore, he mentioned the possibility of forging agreements with Pakistani educational institutions for the accreditation of nurses, pharmacists, and tech personnel to address workforce shortages in the United States.

KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh expressed interest in the concept of declaring Sindh and New York as sister states, emphasising the potential for cultural exchange, academic collaboration, economic cooperation, and trade partnerships between the two states.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2023.

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