Chicago, 26 October 2026(kamran Raja): Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, held a series of engagements in Chicago aimed at strengthening Pakistan–U.S. technology cooperation, promoting bilateral trade and investment, and expanding partnerships with the Pakistani-American business and professional community.
As part of his programme, Ambassador Sheikh led a Pakistani technology delegation to 1871, Chicago’s innovation hub, where he met its CEO, Betsy Ziegler. The delegation included representatives of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Ignite and private-sector technology companies. Discussions focused on connecting Pakistan’s expanding technology sector with Chicago’s innovation ecosystem, particularly in mentorship, enterprise collaboration, investment and access to international markets.
Ambassador Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s growing technological capabilities, its efforts to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure and the potential of Pakistani technology companies to contribute to emerging digital markets. He underscored the importance of fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between technology enterprises in Pakistan and the United States.
The Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce hosted a working lunch in honour of the Ambassador and the visiting delegation. Chamber Chairman Dr. Tariq Butt and President Naveed Anwar welcomed the guests. The gathering brought together representatives of the business, professional and community sectors to explore opportunities for enhanced commercial cooperation and greater engagement by the Pakistani-American community in promoting bilateral economic ties. Consul General Zaman Mehdi thanked the Chamber for its hospitality and support.
OPEN Chicago also hosted an evening reception with Ambassador Sheikh as the chief guest. The event provided an opportunity to engage with Pakistani-American professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders and explore ways to connect their expertise, networks and entrepreneurial potential with Pakistan’s growing technology sector.
Throughout his engagements, Ambassador Sheikh emphasised the importance of translating professional contacts into sustainable commercial partnerships. He highlighted the role of Pakistan’s diplomatic missions, technology institutions, private-sector companies and diaspora organisations in advancing economic diplomacy and creating new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
The engagements in Chicago reflect Pakistan’s continued commitment to strengthening technology-driven economic cooperation with the United States and positioning innovation, entrepreneurship and digital transformation as key pillars of the bilateral relationship.