US invites Pakistani firms to SelectUSA investment summit

SelectUSA Summit seen as an invaluable opportunity for companies seeking to expand their operations into US market

The US mission Pakistan has called on Pakistani companies to take part in the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit, the premier event in the US for fostering business investment and connecting companies with global investors. The event will be held from May 11 to 14, 2025, at National Harbour, Maryland.

The SelectUSA Summit attracts more than 5,000 attendees each year, including economic development organisations (EDOs) from across US states and territories, as well as over 2,500 investors from more than 90 international markets.

Pakistani businesses will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts, learn about the US market, and explore potential avenues for expansion.

"We look to Pakistan to bolster the US economy through our SelectUSA program, which promotes foreign direct investment in the United States," said US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker at the Fifth Pakistan-America Business Forum Summit held in Islamabad on Monday.

The SelectUSA Summit is seen as an invaluable opportunity for companies seeking to expand their operations into the US market. "I hope all of you will consider participating in our next SelectUSA Summit," Baker added.

The US is Pakistan’s largest export market, accounting for 16% of its annual exports. Over 80 US firms operate in Pakistan, employing 120,000 people directly and supporting over a million others.

Since 2021, USAID initiatives have contributed $13 million in foreign direct investment and increased US-Pakistan bilateral trade by $41 million.

Baker highlighted Pakistan’s enormous potential, noting its young and dynamic population and growing economy. "If Pakistan realises its potential in sectors such as technology, business, trade, climate resilience, and security, the benefits will extend beyond Pakistan, impacting the region and the world," she said.

She also pointed to the success of the USAID Pakistan Investment Promotion Activity, which included roadshows in Dubai, Riyadh, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, showcasing 48 companies now engaged with international investors, many of whom are part of the Pakistani diaspora.

“These initiatives have not only raised $13 million in foreign direct investment but also increased US-Pakistan bilateral trade by $41 million and generated $14.5 million in private sector investment,” Baker said.