Washington (Web Desk): Pakistan's Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has urged American technology companies to take advantage of the vast and profitable opportunities for investment, technological cooperation, and long-term business partnerships in Pakistan. He said investment in advanced technology holds strategic importance for further strengthening Pakistan-US economic relations.
Addressing the “Pakistan-US Tech Connect 2026” conference held in Dallas, Texas, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said Pakistan and the United States have significant potential for cooperation in advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and other emerging sectors. The conference was attended by leading Pakistani technology companies, American business leaders, investors, and representatives of the Pakistani-American community.
The conference was organized jointly by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, the Consulate of Pakistan in Houston, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, and the Pakistan Software Export Board. Its objective was to expand Pakistan's access to the American technology market and promote long-term trade and technological partnerships between the two countries.
In his address, the Pakistani ambassador said the United States is a major global technology hub and the largest market for Pakistan's information technology exports. Cooperation between the two countries in advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy could take their economic relations to new heights.
He said more than 60 percent of Pakistan's population consists of young people under the age of 30. These young people are a valuable national asset and the architects of the country's future. By harnessing their potential, Pakistan can further strengthen its position in the global technology market.
According to Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, 13 leading Pakistani technology companies participated in the conference. These companies possess expertise in their respective fields and experience in operating internationally. The conference aimed not only to highlight the capabilities of Pakistani companies but also to provide them with opportunities to establish effective commercial connections with global businesses.
He invited American businesses and investors to benefit from the expertise, capabilities, and investment opportunities available in Pakistan's information technology sector. He said Pakistan's growing competitiveness could create significant and rewarding investment opportunities for American companies.
The Pakistani ambassador also urged the Pakistani-American community to play an active role in strengthening business ties between the two countries, presenting Pakistan as a reliable and competitive technology partner, and enhancing its reputation globally.
He said the Embassy of Pakistan is committed to promoting sustainable technological cooperation, encouraging investment, and establishing long-term trade partnerships between the two countries. He emphasized that the need of the hour is to translate bilateral relations into practical business opportunities, joint technology projects, and sustainable investments.
Addressing the conference, the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Software Export Board highlighted the continued growth of Pakistan's information technology industry and its increasing competitiveness in global markets. He stated that approximately 70,000 graduates in information technology and computer science enter the workforce in Pakistan every year, providing an important talent pool for the country's technology industry.
According to him, Pakistan's IT exports recorded an average annual growth rate of 21 percent over the past four years, while their value reached approximately $435 million in September 2026. He said the United States is Pakistan's most important international market for IT exports.
The conference also highlighted the capabilities of Pakistani companies in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, financial technology, and advanced technological solutions for businesses.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Software Export Board said the organization is committed to working with relevant institutions, including the Special Investment Facilitation Council, to facilitate investors and resolve the practical challenges they face.
Participating Pakistani technology companies delivered detailed presentations on their international expertise, innovative technological solutions, and successful business partnerships with global clients. Particular emphasis was placed on direct business-to-business engagement, enabling Pakistani companies to interact with American business executives, investors, technology buyers, and potential partners.
American business representatives and investors from Dallas, Fort Worth, and other parts of Texas also expressed interest in exploring opportunities to establish business relationships with Pakistani companies.
The upcoming conferences in the Pakistan-US Tech Connect 2026 series will be held in Washington on October 21 and in Chicago on October 23. These events aim to expand Pakistani technology companies' access to global markets, strengthen their competitiveness, and broaden cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in the modern digital economy.