First annual gala underscores growing Pak-American community efforts for integration, unity and trust
CHICAGO
The Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce (PACCC) marked its first annual gala in Chicago with a strong call for expanding trade, investment, entrepreneurship and business-to-business cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
The gala brought together Pakistani-American business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, community representatives and distinguished guests to celebrate the Chamber’s first year and outline its vision for developing stronger economic bridges between the two countries.
In his message for the occasion, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif congratulated PACCC and commended its efforts to strengthen economic and professional linkages between Pakistan and the United States.
He said the Chamber’s work to connect business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and investors provided a valuable platform for promoting trade, investment and mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Prime Minister emphasized the important role of overseas Pakistanis as a bridge between Pakistan and the international community and encouraged Pakistani-American entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities emerging in Pakistan, particularly in minerals, agriculture, energy, technology and the IT and digital economy.
Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh also congratulated PACCC on its First Annual Gala, describing the milestone as a reflection of the Chamber’s promising beginning and growing role in strengthening commercial ties.
The Ambassador highlighted PACCC’s participation in a recent U.S. business delegation to Pakistan, whose members met the Prime Minister, senior officials and business leaders and explored opportunities for trade and investment.
He encouraged Pakistani Americans to work collectively through organizations such as PACCC and urged the Chamber to expand its network throughout the U.S. Midwest.
Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago Zaman Mehdi appreciated PACCC’s efforts to strengthen commercial and professional engagement between Pakistan and the United States. He emphasized the Chamber’s potential to connect Pakistani-American entrepreneurs, investors and professionals with opportunities in both markets and encouraged greater collaboration in trade, investment, entrepreneurship and support for the younger generation.
Addressing the gathering, PACCC Founder and President Naveed Anwar said the gala was not only a celebration of the Chamber’s first year but also an opportunity to look ahead and reaffirm its purpose.
“Our vision at the Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is to serve as a strong and credible bridge between the business communities of Pakistan and the United States,” Anwar said.
He identified helping Pakistani businesses enter and expand in the U.S. market as a major priority, particularly in textiles, food, agriculture, IT, healthcare products, sports goods and professional services. PACCC, he said, would work to guide exporters on U.S. regulations, standards, certifications, documentation and market requirements.
Anwar also highlighted opportunities for Pakistani-American investment in technology, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, infrastructure and energy, while announcing plans to strengthen university partnerships, mentorship and professional development for young people. Although rooted in Chicagoland, he said PACCC’s vision was regional and national, including the development of a broader PACCC Midwest platform.
Dr. Tariq Butt, Chairman of PACCC, commended the Chamber’s leadership, members and partners for establishing a strong foundation during its first year. He stressed the importance of unity within the Pakistani-American business community and said PACCC would continue working to create practical opportunities for trade, investment, professional networking and entrepreneurship between Pakistan and the United States.
Executive Director of Devcom-Pakistan, welcomed PACCC’s emergence as a platform for Pakistan-US business and professional engagement, noting that the Chamber could play an important role in translating the Pakistani-American community’s expertise, networks and entrepreneurial capacity into stronger bilateral partnerships.
He emphasized the value of connecting business, academia, civil society and young professionals to create sustainable opportunities for the next generation.
The gala programme also featured a dedicated panel discussion on health-sector opportunities, hosted by Dr. Sarwat Shaheen, with participation from Dr. Shahid Ehsan, Dr. Naheed Qayum, Dr. Sameer Shafi, Dr. Aftab Khan, incoming president of APNA, and Dr. Asif Ali. The discussion provided a platform for examining opportunities for greater professional, institutional and business collaboration in healthcare between Pakistan and the United States.
The evening formally opened with the national anthems of the United States and Pakistan, followed by video messages and addresses from community and business leaders.
The Chamber also presented awards recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements, followed by dinner and an entertainment programme, providing an opportunity for guests to network and celebrate the Pakistani-American community’s growing role in bilateral relations.
The gala also recognized the contributions of PACCC’s leadership, executive committee, members, sponsors and partners, especially acknowledged Asad Bajwa, who has been associated with PACCC since its inception, and offered prayers for his speedy recovery. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening Pakistan-US friendship and expanding economic, professional and people-to-people ties.=DNA
