Ambassador Sheikh Advises Sustained Engagement for Strengthening Pakistan-US Trade, Investment & Commercial Linkages

By Elaine Pasquini

 

Washington: During the Christmas holiday and New Year’s slowdown in Washington, DC, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, traveled to Pakistan the last week of December. During his visit to Pakistan’s largest city and financial center, the ambassador met with the president, vice president and former presidents of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). The leading voice of the country’s business and industrial community, the KCCI is considered to be among the top ten largest chambers of commerce in the world in terms of membership base.

In their discussions, the officials and Ambassador Sheikh touched on the challenges and opportunities with reference to strengthening trade, investment and commercial linkages between Pakistan and the United States. Sustained coordination and engagement will help meet the challenges and realize the potential of both countries, the ambassador pointed out.

Also, while in Karachi, Ambassador Sheikh visited Utopia Industries, Pvt Ltd, a large-scale modern textile firm and one of Pakistan’s top 20 exporters that has achieved remarkable growth since its founding in April 2018. With a 39 percent increase in export volume, Utopia now exports products, including bedding, kitchenware and unique plastic and metal items, making it the country’s twelfth largest exporter of textiles. Utopia Deals, the US-based e-commerce sector of Pakistan-based Utopia Industries, is a top Amazon seller worldwide creating 10,000 jobs in Pakistan and expanding its footprint in the US market. “Certainly, a source of pride,” the ambassador said on his X account.

(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)