Boosting Bilateral Ties: US Official Encourages Pakistani Businesses to Conduct Roadshows in America
During a visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Phil Ramos, emphasized the importance of organizing road shows in America to bridge the information gap about Pakistani products and services. Ramos highlighted the absence of a platform in English that effectively showcases the details of products and services from Pakistan, unlike platforms featuring products from China and India.
Expressing the need for mutual understanding and confidence, Ramos, accompanied by members of the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) New York, presented a unique concept focused on fostering business relationships between the two countries. He stressed the significance of perception and confidence to promote business collaborations, emphasizing that isolation is detrimental to both businesses and countries.
Ramos advocated for the signing of memoranda of understanding in various areas, including economic development, health, and businesses. He proposed agreements with Pakistani learning institutions for accrediting nurses, addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in the United States. Acknowledging Pakistan’s potential in pharmaceutical exports, Ramos urged effective exposure for these products in the American market.
Recognizing Karachi as the New York of Pakistan, Ramos drew parallels between the two cities, highlighting their roles in supporting other regions while receiving less in return. He proposed the idea of establishing sister states between New York and Karachi and recommended the formation of a task force to identify mutual areas of agreement.
Ramos expressed optimism about positive change resulting from the visit to Pakistan, emphasizing the need for regular conversations and collaboration between the U.S. and Pakistani business communities. President of KCCI, Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, highlighted a significant development where the State Legislature of Georgia recently passed a resolution to establish a Sister State-Province relationship between Georgia and Sindh, fostering multifaceted ties.
At the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Ramos announced proposed measures to formalize cooperation between APPAC, the New York State Assembly, and FPCCI. He suggested the formation of two high-powered committees to explore opportunities for collaboration.
FPCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh emphasized Pakistan’s deserving enhanced access to the U.S. market, considering the country’s challenges, including the impact of the war on terror, floods, and climate change.
