Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer at the Launch of a U.S.-Funded Entrepreneurship Project Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
Mr. Governor, chancellors, professor, distinguished guests, Assalam-o-Alaikum — good morning. I’m very honored to be here today at LUMS to officially launch our ‘Tabeer’ project. I understand that Tabeer, as one of our previous speakers said, means “the actualization of a dream,” which is a wonderful word. And this project is a partnership between LUMS and the United States to support 15 business incubation centers at universities all across Punjab province.
The United States, through the Department of State, is providing nearly half a million dollars for this initiative, which includes training and mentorship for the incubator leadership teams at 15 participating universities across Punjab.
Entrepreneurs are a driving force for innovation and economic growth, which is at the heart of our growing U.S.-Pakistani relationship. The United States is committed to bringing the next generation of Pakistani entrepreneurs and businesspeople through investments in Pakistan’s human capital.
We hope these training opportunities will provide incubation centers with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to foster an environment where innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship can thrive.
We believe that this partnership with incubation centers will directly benefit local entrepreneurs and communities across Punjab and, indeed, throughout Pakistan.
Through this program, the 15 participants will have the opportunity to travel to the United States, to observe the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the United States’ cities and communities, to make connections with industry leaders, and to share the information they learn with their colleagues back here in Pakistan.
As you’ve heard, we are excited about this project. We think it reflects our shared values and our commitment to inclusive, sustainable economic growth. It is a statement of the enduring partnership between our two nations, bound by a common vision of a brighter, more prosperous future for the people of Pakistan.
I would like to thank the LUMS leadership, especially Provost Dr. Tariq Jadoon, and his team at the National Incubation Center Lahore, for partnering with the U.S. government on this project from the beginning.
Thank you to all the participating business incubation center representatives. I wish you all success. I look forward to seeing the great support you will provide to Punjab start-ups and entrepreneurs from this day forward.
Sub-Editor: Arslan Majeed