International conference sheds light on 75 years of Pakistan-US relations

ISLAMABAD:  To celebrate  75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the United States and highlight the bilateral agreements signed between the two states, Quaid-e-Azam University conducted a virtual international conference on Wednesday.

According to a statement issued in this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General (Americas) Muhammad Mudassir Tipu spoke at the inaugural session — titled "Pakistan-US Ties: The Way Forward" — where he elaborated on diversifying the relationship to add more dynamic sectors in forging stronger relations.

Tipu talked about the recent constructive bilateral engagements between the two countries, including health dialogue and Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), and appreciated the US for providing over 50 million vaccines to Pakistan.

He asserted that the trade and investment climate of the country is thriving because of the promising 220 million population, friendly and non-discriminatory regulatory laws, improved security apparatus, and opportunities in special economic zones (SEZs).

Tipu highlighted the potential sectors that the US government and private sectors should pay attention to, including the IT sector, energy sector, e-commerce, and pharmaceuticals.

The director-general underscored that to boost the IT sector, the government has constituted a committee of Pakistan-American entrepreneurs in the Silicon Valley.

“Pakistan is thriving with young talent ready with ideas on artificial intelligence, creation of data centres and new e-commerce start-ups,” he added.

Tipu said that Silicon Valley investors and the US private sector can tap into this potential.

He appreciated the role being played by the American Business Council, American trade bodies, and other chambers in their collaborative efforts to promote business ties.

The speakers at the session included US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Al Green, Prof. Dr Muhammad Ali (T.I), VC QAU, Islamabad, Chargé d’affaires US Embassy Islamabad Angela Aggeler, and Attorney Dawood Ghazanavi.