Greater New York Chamber of Commerce Signals Interest in Key Pakistani Sectors

President and CEO Mark Jaffe, of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s textile, leather, surgical, and IT industries during a meeting with Pakistani Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh. The two discussed strategies to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, per a statement from the Pakistani Embassy.

Mark Jaffe highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to fostering trade ties and disseminating information about Pakistan’s upcoming trade events to its extensive network. Ambassador Sheikh, in turn, acknowledged the Chamber’s collaboration with the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York and invited their participation in the 4th Engineering & Healthcare Show set for April 2025 in Lahore. He also praised Jaffe’s engagement with Pakistan’s recent TEXPO 2024 held in Karachi.

Ambassador Sheikh underlined the pivotal role of Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in promoting investment, showcasing the country’s liberal policies and strategic advantages, including its GSP+ status in the EU and its Free Trade Agreement with China. These incentives, he noted, are aimed at positioning Pakistan as an attractive hub for New York businesses looking to expand into South and Central Asia.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to reinforce cooperation between the Chamber and the Consulate, aiming to boost trade and investment relations.

In another session, Ambassador Sheikh met with New York-based investment bankers, IT professionals, and business leaders at the Consulate General. He emphasized Pakistan’s efforts to create an investor-friendly environment and reassured them of support from the Embassy and Consulate. Trade & Investment Counsellor Adnan Mahmood Awan briefed attendees on opportunities in sectors such as IT, agriculture, mining, and tourism.

Ambassador Sheikh also hosted a meeting with Pakistani-origin students in New York, urging them to excel academically and remain engaged with their heritage. Discussions centered on strengthening educational ties and the role of the diaspora in advancing Pakistan’s global image. Consul General Aamir Ahmed Atozai reiterated the Consulate’s commitment to supporting the Pakistani community.