ISLAMABAD: A high-profile delegation led by New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos met with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, to explore avenues for enhancing mutual trade interests between the two regions.
The meeting emphasized several key areas for collaboration, including the establishment of a Sister State relationship between New York and various Pakistani provinces, which would bolster cooperation in trade, health, and education sectors.
Both parties discussed the potential signing of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to formalize and improve trade relations.
Minister Jam Kamal highlighted the importance of multi-level connectivity—people-to-people, business-to-business, and government-to-government—to enhance bilateral relations.
He underscored that the Prime Minister’s diverse policy focuses on direct business connectivity and the government’s role as a facilitator.
Kamal noted that 60% of Pakistan’s population is youth with significant potential, especially in nursing and healthcare sectors, which could be tapped into with proper guidance and roadmaps.
During the discussion, Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos praised the Pakistani community in the US, acknowledging their large numbers and contributions.
He expressed admiration for the warmth and hospitality of the Pakistani people and emphasized the need for strong educational foundations and people-to-people contacts to overcome barriers and foster closer ties between the two nations.
Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, Chairman of the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), stated that the Pakistani community is keen to invest in their homeland and called for government facilitation and cooperation to support this initiative.
Minister Kamal mentioned that Pakistan dominates the textile sector and highlighted the recent participation of Pakistani companies in international exhibitions such as the Travel & Adventure Show and the Texworld New York.
He shared that a Pakistani pavilion will be set up at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, further strengthening trade ties.
He also pointed out the significant potential for collaboration around the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2026, given that Pakistan supplies 70% of the world’s soccer balls.
The meeting also touched upon opportunities in the IT sector, with discussions on providing space for Pakistani startups in incubators run by various chambers of commerce in New York.
The discussions concluded on a positive note, with both sides committed to promoting cultural exchange and technical education, thereby laying a strong foundation for future cooperation and mutual prosperity.
