WAHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, inaugurated the Pak-USA Joint Business Conference and Expo 2025 in Virginia, urging stronger economic cooperation to strengthen long-term ties between the two nations.
The event, jointly organized by Brain Designer Pakistan and the Rawalpindi Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industries in collaboration with the US Pakistan International Chamber of Commerce (USPICC), gathered business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore trade, investment, and commercial prospects.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Sheikh underlined the vast potential of the U.S. market for Pakistani exporters and called for strategic adjustments to better compete in the dynamic American economy. He described the conference as a “seed-sowing exercise” aimed at nurturing enduring bilateral economic relations.
“Pakistan’s relations with the United States are best underwritten by economic, commerce, trade, and investment ties that can survive our generation if we sow the right seeds today,” he said. “I consider this conference a seed-sowing exercise, and I pray that these seeds grow into a full-blown forest.”
Highlighting the U.S. as the world’s leading consumer market, the Ambassador encouraged Pakistani entrepreneurs to embrace formal business practices, collaborate, and pool resources to match the scale of American enterprises. He reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to guiding Pakistani businesses in adapting to U.S. market standards.
“Diplomacy can only create opportunities; it cannot capitalize on them,” Sheikh said. “That responsibility lies with you—the business community. We have done our job; now we look to you to do yours.”
The day-long conference featured several Pakistani companies from diverse sectors, including tourism, real estate, textiles, furniture, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, and IT, all aiming to expand their footprint in the United States.
Muhammad Rauf Raja, CEO of Brain Designer Pakistan, expressed satisfaction over the event’s success, calling it “a unique platform for Pakistani businesses to grow in the U.S. market and explore new avenues for collaboration.”
USPICC Chairman Muhammad Siddique Sheikh emphasized the role of such events in deepening bilateral economic engagement, especially among small businesses and entrepreneurs. Similarly, Sardar Saqib Nasim, President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industries, reaffirmed his organization’s dedication to strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries.
Earnie Porta, Mayor of Occoquan Town in Prince William County, praised the Pakistani diaspora for their valuable contributions to the U.S. economy.
Ambassador Sheikh also toured the exhibition stalls, interacting with participants and commending the organizers for their efforts in promoting trade linkages. He noted that the initiative was especially beneficial for small traders seeking to establish a stronger presence in the American market.
