Expatriates urged to work for economic revival

ICCI president calls for enhancing trade, economic ties with US

ISLAMABAD:

A delegation from the Pakistan-US Alumni Network (PUAN) recently visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) to discuss opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and the USA.

The delegation, comprising representatives from academia, engineering, entrepreneurship, and IT professionals, was welcomed by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari.

Bakhtawari emphasised the vital role that the Pakistani diaspora in the US could play in contributing to the economic revival of Pakistan. He urged members of the diaspora to bring modern technology and investments to the country, citing their expertise and knowledge gained from business experiences in the US.

Highlighting the potential for joint ventures and investments, Bakhtawari encouraged the diaspora to explore opportunities in Pakistan to foster better economic growth. He specifically called for the Pakistani diaspora to facilitate connections between qualified Pakistani youth, especially in engineering and IT, and US entrepreneurs for knowledge-sharing, expertise exchange, and potential business partnerships.

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He also underscored the potential for promoting collaboration among women entrepreneurs from both countries.

Salman Wahab, Alumni Engagement Coordinator of the US Embassy, shared that the Pakistan-US Alumni Network, initiated in 2008, is dedicated to making meaningful contributions to Pakistan through various initiatives such as community service, conferences, mentoring, and fostering people-to-people ties.

He highlighted that over 37,000 Pakistanis have participated in US Government-sponsored exchange programmes over more than 65 years.

Wahab further mentioned that the network, with 14 local chapters across Pakistan, has contributed significantly to various sectors in the country and will continue to play a role in its development.

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Members of the PUAN delegation reiterated their commitment to bringing positive changes in Pakistan and expressed their dedication to contributing to the country's betterment.

Engr Azhar ul Islam Zafar, Vice President of ICCI, extended thanks to the PUAN delegation for their visit and emphasised the need for close collaboration between the two organisations.

He stressed the importance of developing strong ties to attract US investors, including the Pakistani diaspora, for investments in Pakistan and further enhancing bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2023.