Ambassador Sheikh Emphasizes Connecting Pakistan's Tech Capabilities With US Business Needs
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Oct, 2026) Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh highlighted the potential for stronger technology cooperation between Pakistan and the US, emphasizing the opportunity to connect Pakistan’s growing technology capabilities with American business needs through sustained, mutually beneficial partnerships.
He made these remarks at Pakistan–U.S. Tech Connect 2026, co-hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and OPEN Global. The event brought together a large number of companies from across the American Midwest, Pakistani technology firms, policymakers, and business leaders to explore commercial partnerships and opportunities in the digital economy.
Ambassador Sheikh drew attention to Pakistan’s youthful demography, encouraging US technology companies to enhance their profitability by leveraging Pakistan’s low-cost and high-quality human capital.
Pakistani technology companies presented their capabilities and offerings for American businesses during the event. Participating firms included:
- Strategic Systems International
- 10Pearls
- Abacus Systems Limited
- Nextbridge
- Addo AI
- Excellence Delivered
- Folio3
- TMC
Illinois State Representative Justin Slaughter, State Senator Laura Murphy, and Daniel Bellefleur, Vice President for Foreign Direct Investment at the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, also spoke at the conference, sharing the state’s economic development perspective.
PSEB CEO Faisal Jeddy discussed Pakistan’s IT landscape and emerging business opportunities, highlighting the country’s skilled professionals, competitive costs, and growing capacity to deliver advanced technology solutions.
Ignite CEO Bilal Abbasi talked about Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, while OPEN Global President Tariq Khan outlined opportunities for collaboration.
In his closing remarks, Consul General Zaman Mehdi thanked the participants and partners, highlighting the cooperation among government, private enterprise, and the Pakistani-American diaspora that made the conference possible. OPEN Chicago Chairman Aamir Chalisa also delivered concluding remarks.
Panel discussions explored topics such as:
- Building and scaling enterprise partnerships across the United States
- Understanding buying behavior in the American middle market
- Developing effective market-entry strategies
A session focused on moving beyond outsourcing, examining what U.S. enterprise buyers and investors seek in Pakistani technology companies.
Networking sessions allowed Midwest companies and the visiting delegation to discuss business needs, identify potential partners, and explore follow-up engagements.