Chicago, August 25, 2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has praised the Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce (PACCC) for its efforts to strengthen economic and professional ties between Pakistan and the United States, urging Pakistani-American entrepreneurs and investors to explore emerging opportunities in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister conveyed his message as PACCC held its first annual gala in Chicago, bringing together Pakistani-American business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, community representatives and distinguished guests to mark the Chamber’s first year and reaffirm its vision of building stronger economic bridges between the two countries.
Shehbaz Sharif congratulated PACCC on the milestone and commended its efforts to connect business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and investors in both countries. He said such platforms could play an important role in promoting trade, investment and mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Prime Minister highlighted the role of overseas Pakistanis as an important bridge between Pakistan and the international community and encouraged Pakistani-American entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in minerals, agriculture, energy, technology, information technology and the digital economy.
Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh also congratulated PACCC and described its first annual gala as a reflection of the Chamber’s promising beginning and growing role in promoting commercial relations between Pakistan and the United States.
The ambassador highlighted PACCC’s participation in a recent US business delegation to Pakistan, whose members met the Prime Minister, senior government officials and business leaders and explored potential avenues for trade and investment.
He encouraged Pakistani-Americans to work collectively through organisations such as PACCC and called on the Chamber to expand its network across the US Midwest.
Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago Zaman Mehdi appreciated PACCC’s efforts to promote commercial and professional engagement between the two countries. He said the Chamber could help connect Pakistani-American entrepreneurs, investors and professionals with opportunities in both markets while encouraging greater cooperation in trade, investment, entrepreneurship and youth development.
Addressing the gathering, PACCC Founder and President Naveed Anwar said the gala was not only a celebration of the organisation’s first year but also an opportunity to reaffirm its long-term mission.
“Our vision at the Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is to serve as a strong and credible bridge between the business communities of Pakistan and the United States,” Anwar said.
He identified helping Pakistani businesses enter and expand in the US market as a major priority, particularly in textiles, food, agriculture, information technology, healthcare products, sports goods and professional services.
Anwar said PACCC would assist Pakistani exporters in navigating US regulations, standards, certifications, documentation and market requirements to improve their access to American consumers and businesses.
He also highlighted opportunities for Pakistani-American investment in technology, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, infrastructure and energy.
The PACCC president said the Chamber planned to strengthen university partnerships, mentorship programmes and professional development opportunities for young people. Although based in Chicagoland, he said the Chamber’s vision was regional and national, including the development of a broader PACCC Midwest platform.
PACCC Chairman Dr Tariq Butt commended the Chamber’s leadership, members and partners for establishing a strong foundation during its first year. He underscored the importance of unity within the Pakistani-American business community and said PACCC would continue creating practical opportunities for trade, investment, professional networking and entrepreneurship.
Munir Ahmed, Executive Director of Devcom-Pakistan, welcomed PACCC’s emergence as a platform for Pakistan-US business and professional engagement. He said the Chamber could help translate the expertise, networks and entrepreneurial capacity of the Pakistani-American community into stronger bilateral partnerships.
He also stressed the importance of connecting businesses, academia, civil society and young professionals to create sustainable opportunities for the next generation.
The gala featured a dedicated panel discussion on health-sector opportunities, hosted by Dr Sarwat Shaheen. The panel included Dr Shahid Ehsan, Dr Naheed Qayum, Dr Sameer Shafi, Dr Aftab Khan, incoming president of APNA, and Dr Asif Ali.
The discussion examined opportunities for greater professional, institutional and commercial cooperation in healthcare between Pakistan and the United States.
The programme formally opened with the national anthems of Pakistan and the United States, followed by video messages and addresses by community and business leaders.
The Chamber also presented awards in recognition of outstanding contributions and achievements. The event provided an opportunity for networking among Pakistani-American business and community leaders and included dinner and an entertainment programme.
PACCC’s leadership, executive committee, members, sponsors and partners were also recognised for their contributions to the Chamber’s first year, with special acknowledgement given to Asad Bajwa for his association with PACCC since its inception. Participants also offered prayers for his speedy recovery.
The gala concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening Pakistan-US friendship and expanding economic, professional and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
