Opportunities for Overseas Pakistanis: Invest, Trade & Grow with Pakistan – An Exclusive with Quratulain Fatima
Ms. Quratulain Fatima, Trade and Investment Counselor of Pakistan in Los Angeles, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with Pakistan Link, Urdu Link, and The Mansuri Show on ARY Digital Television. The interview, conducted by Arif Zaffar Mansuri—host of The Mansuri Show and Managing Editor of Pakistan Link and Urdu Link—offered valuable insights into Pakistan’s expanding economic footprint, its trade relations with the United States, and new investment opportunities for overseas Pakistanis. Below is a detailed account of this enlightening conversation.
Introduction: Ms. Quratulain Fatima is a distinguished Pakistani public servant, policy innovator, and global thought leader with over 13 years of experience in governance, trade diplomacy, and development. Currently, she serves as the Trade and Investment Counselor at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, where she plays a key role in expanding Pakistan’s economic footprint in North America through bilateral trade partnerships and investment opportunities.
Her career began in 2001 as one of the first women officers in the Pakistan Air Force, where she served for eight years. She later transitioned to the Pakistan Administrative Service, working on conflict-sensitive development and economic resilience programs. She has also contributed to strategic policymaking at the Prime Minister’s Office, focusing on economic governance and institutional reforms.
Ms. Fatima holds three master’s degrees, including one from the University of Oxford. She has been recognized as an Aspen New Voices Fellow and a Build Peace Fellow for her contributions to governance, peacebuilding, and economic development. She is also a co-founder of Women4PeaceTech, advocating digital empowerment for rural women in Pakistan.
Mr. Mansuri:
You are one of the first women officers to join the Pakistan Air Force. Please take us back to your early life. How was your childhood, and what inspired you to pursue such a diverse career in the Pakistan Air Force, public service, and international trade?
Trade & Investment Counselor Fatima:
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a boy because I saw that boys could do everything, and I used to tell my dad that I wanted to be an SSG (Special Service Group) commando. Then I decided I wanted to be a pilot. I couldn't be either at the time, so I used to tell my father, who was an Air Force officer, that I wanted to wear a uniform like him and salute at the parade on March 23rd with him. He always said, “Yes, you can do that.” And I would ask him how, when there were no openings for women. He used to tell me it would happen. Interestingly, in 2001, it did happen when the president at the time introduced a 33% quota for women in the Pakistan Air Force.
I seized the opportunity, cleared the ISSB (Inter-Services Selection Board), and joined the Pakistan Air Force. My dream of wearing the uniform and saluting alongside my father came true. I often tell people that when I joined the Air Force, we were among the first women, and the military training was so tough that I wanted to quit. But I kept going because I knew that the burden of paving the way for future women officers rested on
us. So I stayed, and I survived. I spent almost eight years in the Air Force, participated in Pakistan’s war against terrorism, and was posted in various critical roles.
Then, I decided it was time to switch careers and contribute to peace-building. As a public servant, you can build peace through development work, public service, and economic policies that serve the people of Pakistan. I transitioned from the military to the civil service. Moving into trade was another step in that direction. There is a famous saying: If goods don’t cross borders, soldiers will. I firmly believe in this, and I see trade as a catalyst for peace and prosperity. Pakistan has so much potential, and I was inspired to contribute. I was later posted to the Consulate General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, where I work under the leadership of a very dynamic Consul General, Mr. Asim Ali Khan, who has brought new energy to economic diplomacy. Now, I focus on expanding Pakistan’s trade with the West Coast, particularly in areas where the U.S. is Pakistan’s largest trading partner.
Mr. Mansuri:
That is very well said. The United States is Pakistan's largest export market, with about 16% of Pakistan’s total exports going to the U.S. As Trade and Investment Counselor, what initiatives and strategies are you implementing to further expand and diversify Pakistan's exports to the United States?
Trade & Investment Counselor Fatima:
It’s a very important question. I represent the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and we align our strategy with the vision of the Prime Minister and the Government of Pakistan to maximize trade. Historically, Pakistan’s primary export to the U.S. has been textiles, which remains one of our biggest exports. However, I must highlight that IT products are now the fastest-growing segment of Pakistan’s exports to the U.S.
We are also working on diversification into new markets, including halal and organic products, surgical instruments, and sporting goods—sectors where Pakistan has global recognition. For example, we manufacture the footballs used in FIFA tournaments, and with Los Angeles hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028, we see a huge opportunity for Pakistan’s sports industry.
To enhance our outreach, we are engaging with key stakeholders, including the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office and various Chambers of Commerce, to ensure our businesses are well-represented. We are planning a major export expo in June to promote Pakistan’s sports industry and are increasing participation in trade shows and delegations. We also facilitate B2B connections and meetings. Under the leadership of our Consul General, we are pushing for strategic collaborations with U.S. institutions and companies. Additionally, we are promoting investment opportunities in Pakistan through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which offers special incentives for foreign investors.
Mr. Mansuri:
As you mentioned, Pakistan actively participates in numerous trade shows across the United States each year. Could you share some insights on these events, particularly the Magic Show, the largest apparel and fashion trade exhibition held twice a year in Las Vegas?
Trade & Investment Counselor Fatima:
When I joined the consulate in February 2022, we had only seven companies from Pakistan participating in the August edition of Magic. Now, in the upcoming February edition of Sourcing at Magic, 44 companies from Pakistan are participating. This shows how far we have come. At that time, Pakistani exporters were participating in only two trade shows on the West Coast. Now, Pakistan is present in around ten trade shows annually.
We recently participated in the Winter Fancy Food Exhibition in January, and we are also taking part in the International Motor Expo. Additionally, we have participated in different editions of Magic, the Game Developers Conference, TechCrunch, and Black Hat. Our presence in diversified trade shows has been expanding significantly.
Pakistan has been consistently participating in Sourcing at Magic. The most important achievement has been our success in the sustainability sector and eco-friendly products. For example, in denim, Lucky Textiles—a very prominent name in the industry—has been successfully participating in the show. In the last event, we generated between 300 and 700 leads, and during the show, we secured more than $15 million in business. We are expecting similar success in the upcoming edition.
As representatives of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Consulate General of Pakistan, we facilitate exporters by arranging B2B meetings and supporting the setup of the Pakistan Pavilion, which is improving with each event due to the growing participation of exporters. Magic remains a very important show for us.
Mr. Mansuri:
The Pakistan Consulate in Los Angeles recently organized a Tech Investment Conference in Silicon Valley, where $22 million was pledged in investments. What contributed to the success of this Tech Investment Conference, and what do you see as the future of Pakistan's tech startups in the U.S.?
Trade & Investment Counselor Fatima:
First of all, I would credit the vision of our Consul General. I think he was relentless in pursuing this initiative and motivated me to take it forward. We were able to secure support from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, which sponsored the event. We also received strong backing from the local Pakistani-American community.
We successfully organized this conference at Stanford University for the first time, making it the first-ever Pakistan-focused investment conference in Silicon Valley. We showcased ten dynamic startup projects. As you mentioned, $22 million in investments were announced. It was the result of nearly a year of hard work and persistence.
We brought in Pakistani startups and collaborated with key institutions such as the Pakistan Software Export Board, the IT Ministry, the Ministry of Commerce, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the U.S. Embassy—all of which supported the Consulate in making this event a success.
I believe this was a historic moment for Pakistan, as being represented in Silicon Valley—the global hub of technological excellence—is a significant achievement. We attracted over 288 investors, entrepreneurs, and venture funds. This conference has ushered in a new era for Pakistan’s IT industry in the U.S. market.
Mr. Mansuri:
Some of the export categories you mentioned—textiles, surgical goods, and sporting goods—are well-established. Now, with the growing tech sector, are there any other unexplored or unrelated industries that Pakistani exporters should focus on?
Trade & Investment Counselor Fatima:
When I talk about California and the West Coast, organic products have a significant market. There is also a strong demand for halal products due to the large Muslim community from various countries. We are collaborating with nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkey to create collective initiatives for halal product exports.
Another important sector is furniture. Pakistani-made furniture is of excellent quality, and we have received a lot of inquiries about it. In addition, there is growing interest in the tech sector, health engineering, and manufacturing.
I would also like to highlight that Pakistan is hosting a major Health, Engineering, and Manufacturing (HEM) trade show which is scheduled to take place in Lahore from April 17-19, 2025 – details about this event are available at https://hems.tdap.gov.pk/. Information is also available on the Consulate’s website https://pakconsulatela.org/ and our social media platforms. People can also reach us via email at trade@pakconsulatela.org. I invite Pakistani-American and U.S. businesses to attend because Pakistan is now moving up the value chain. We aim to attract investment and connect with importers for our value-added products. I believe there is a significant market for these sectors. I would also like to mention on your show that, with the support of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, we are sponsoring tickets, accommodation, and hospitality for eligible businesses to visit Pakistan. I invite all eligible businesses to take advantage of this opportunity. Pakistan has a wealth of untapped potential that you may find valuable. We offer highly competitive products, and I encourage you to visit and explore the numerous opportunities Pakistan has to offer.
Mr. Mansuri:
That's an excellent opportunity for people who are serious about investing in Pakistan. Thank you for sharing that. Many overseas Pakistanis have saved up money and want to invest in Pakistan but don’t know where to start. What are some of the practical and high-potential areas for overseas Pakistanis to invest in?
Trade & Investment Counselor Fatima:
I would like to mention that Pakistan offers numerous incentives for investors. We have one of the best investment policies in South Asia. There are Special Economic Zones (SEZs) where investors can benefit from tax rebates, facilitation, and industry setup support. Additionally, we have Special Technology Zones (STZs) and Technology Parks that attract tech companies. Many Pakistanis are already investing in the technology sector, textile sector, and sports industry.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has prioritized sectors such as mining and energy. The energy sector, in particular, is an area that Pakistanis should consider, as the country faces energy shortages, making investment in solar, wind, and alternative energy solutions highly lucrative.
I would also urge Pakistanis not to invest solely in real estate plots but to invest in businesses and entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to economic growth. If you need support, we are here to facilitate you. The Consulate is very forthcoming in issuing
business visas, arranging meetings, and providing investment guidance. We have been assisting numerous businesses, and if you are interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Mr. Mansuri:
Pakistan organizes several trade shows every year for export products. How can overseas Pakistanis learn about these various trade shows, and what facilitation does the Consulate or the Government of Pakistan provide for participation in these shows?
Trade & Investment Counselor Fatima:
We have several prominent trade shows every year in Pakistan, including TEXPO, which is a major textile exhibition that took place in May last year. We also have the Food & Agro Show, which is happening at the end of February this year, and the upcoming Health, Engineering, and Manufacturing (HEM) Show in April that I mentioned earlier.
All relevant information is available on the Consulate General of Pakistan, Los Angeles website (https://pakconsulatela.org/), as well as on our Twitter and Facebook pages. You can also email us for details. We have developed comprehensive brochures and websites for these shows, making it easy for interested businesses to apply online.
If you are an eligible exporter, meaning you export over $1 million annually from the United States (or any country), we are happy to invite you to Pakistan and sponsor your ticket, accommodation at a five-star hotel, and courtesy services. We also have a Category B for businesses that export below that threshold. In such cases, we offer 50% airfare coverage and hotel sponsorship, depending on the specific trade show. Additionally, we provide International Exhibition Support (IES) to assist business professionals visiting Pakistan.
For further details, you can visit our official website, Twitter, and Facebook pages, or reach out to the Trade Division at the Pakistan Consulate. We also send routine emails to the business community. I will also be sharing information about HEM and other trade shows at Magic this year.
Mr. Mansuri:
Where do you see Pakistan-U.S. trade relations in the next five years, and how can overseas Pakistanis, specifically Pakistani Americans, contribute to strengthening ties between the U.S. and Pakistan?
Trade & Investment Counselor Fatima:
Pakistan and the U.S. have traditionally been strong trade partners. As Pakistan’s economy continues to grow and become more dynamic, we are placing a significant focus on expanding trade, particularly in tech products, which are now Pakistan’s fastest-growing export to California.
In the next five years, I anticipate a more diversified export basket than before. While traditional exports like textiles, apparel, footwear, and sporting goods will remain key, there will be a substantial increase in value-added products. Additionally, I expect strong growth in organic products, tech-based exports, and halal-certified products.
Furthermore, I see Pakistan’s agricultural exports, particularly rice and mangoes, expanding significantly in the U.S. market. Mangoes and rice are among Pakistan’s best exports, and we aim to further strengthen their presence in the U.S. I would like to add
that the Pakistani-American community plays a crucial role in representing Pakistan abroad. I urge the Pakistani-American community to continue working hard to promote Pakistan’s true image and showcase its beauty.
Another sector I’d like to mention is tourism, which is rapidly growing. Adventure tourism, religious tourism, and cultural tourism are attracting more international visitors. Recently, the Consul General welcomed 160 Sikh delegates and facilitated their visit to Pakistan, spreading love and awareness about the country. Pakistan has so much to offer, and the Pakistani-American community can act as ambassadors, sharing Pakistan’s rich heritage and inviting people to visit.
Visiting Pakistan is now easier than ever, with visa-on-arrival facilities. We are actively facilitating travel, and I encourage you to invite more people to experience Pakistan firsthand.
Additionally, I urge you to invest in Pakistan. If you have the means, consider giving back to Pakistan by supporting businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. The Pakistani-American community in Los Angeles and California is incredibly dynamic and has already contributed immensely.
I also encourage more Pakistani-Americans to participate in government and policymaking at the state level. This will ensure that issues close to your heart—and to ours—are represented at the highest levels. Keep up the great work, and let’s continue strengthening our community and Pakistan’s global presence.
Mr. Mansuri:
You've provided very valuable information, and while you've already addressed some of this, I'd like to ask—as the Trade and Investment Counselor of Pakistan, what message would you like to send to the community through Pakistan Link, Urdu Link, and The Mansuri Show on ARY Digital Television?
Trade & Investment Counselor Fatima:
Thank you, Mr. Mansuri. First and foremost, Pakistan should always be a priority. We must love Pakistan as a nation. Governments come and go, but our loyalty should always remain with Pakistan and, as Pakistani Americans, with the United States as well.
Please continue to support and uplift Pakistan. As I mentioned earlier, the Pakistani-American community in Los Angeles and California is one of the strongest and most engaged communities. Whenever we have reached out for support, you have always been there, and I have no doubt that you will continue to stand with Pakistan.
I urge you to keep spreading positive narratives about Pakistan. Encourage people to visit, invest, and engage with Pakistan. I have seen firsthand that once people visit Pakistan, they want to return again and again. So, invite more people to experience Pakistan, whether through educational exchanges, government delegations, or business partnerships.
We at the Consulate are here to assist you and promote Pakistan in every way possible. Let's continue working together to strengthen our community and Pakistan’s global image.
Conclusion:
Trade & Investment Counselor Quratulain Fatima highlighted the expanding trade, investment, and economic opportunities between Pakistan and the U.S. She
emphasized the tremendous potential for investors while also stressing the crucial role of overseas Pakistanis in driving growth and enhancing Pakistan’s global image. For more information, visit pakconsulatela.org or email trade@pakconsulatela.org. To watch the complete interview, visit YouTube.com/@MansuriShow.
