‘USAID cultivating lasting ties with Pakistani private sector partners’

Islamabad : The USAID has said it is cultivating deeper, more lasting relationships with Pakistan's private sector partners from small businesses to large corporations.

“Our Investment Promotion in Pakistan activity is a prime example of this work—how we work to unlock greater resources dedicated to taking on the world’s greatest challenges,” said USAID assistant administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer at the conclusion of the activity.

He said the Pakistan Investment Roadshow, organised by the USAID under its Investment Promotion Activity, exemplified the collaboration by showcasing the potential of Pakistani firms to US investors in New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC.

"The roadshow is a key part of USAID’s broader mission to promote economic growth in Pakistan by attracting foreign direct investment and enhancing bilateral trade between the two nations. The series aimed to raise $15 million in FDI commitments by connecting 27 curated Pakistani firms with US investors eager to explore emerging markets. These firms, representing sectors such as artificial intelligence, healthtech, fintech, edtech, agritech, climatetech, and software as a service, captivated investors with their innovative solutions and potential for scaling globally," he said.

Mr Schiffer said the founder’s panel discussion in New York highlighted Pakistan's tech ecosystem, featuring prominent CEOs and founders discussing technology trends and investment challenges.

He said the San Francisco event, a hub of technology innovation, allowed Pakistani firms in AI, fintech, healthtech, and more to present their cutting-edge solutions to Silicon Valley investors.

"In Washington, DC, the symposium spotlighted trailblazing women entrepreneurs, emphasising their role in driving social and economic change," he said.

The USAID assistant administrator said the US was committed to building on the momentum generated by those events, foster sustainable investment flows, and support long-term economic growth in Pakistan.

USAID project management specialist Afsheen Shakoor emphasised the significance of the roadshow.