'Come home, build prosperity': American Business Council urges diaspora to invest in Pakistan
Strategic dialogue in Karachi focuses on trade, jobs and commercial partnerships
KARACHI – The American Business Council of Pakistan (ABC) has called on overseas Pakistanis to invest in their homeland as it hosted a high-level United States business and congressional delegation for strategic talks aimed at strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
The delegation's visit was facilitated by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Government of Pakistan, bringing together American representatives, officials from the Embassy of Pakistan in the United States, SIFC representatives and senior leaders from Pakistan's private sector. The discussions focused on turning growing bilateral goodwill into concrete trade, investment and commercial partnerships across key sectors.
Established in 1984, the American Business Council of Pakistan represents more than 60 member companies, including several leading American and Fortune 500 companies operating in Pakistan. The organisation promotes American business interests, facilitates trade and investment, advances policy dialogue and supports a competitive and transparent business environment in the country.
Push for investment
Addressing the gathering, ABC President Akram Wali Muhammad said Pakistan is well positioned to attract meaningful foreign investment and deepen global business partnerships.
He identified technology, energy, minerals and manufacturing among the sectors offering significant opportunities for investors, saying the country is now in a stronger position to unlock its economic potential.
"The time has come to convert dialogue into investment and investment into jobs," he said, stressing that increased commercial activity could create new opportunities for Pakistan's young population while strengthening long-term economic growth.
In a direct appeal to the Pakistani diaspora, Muhammad urged overseas professionals and entrepreneurs to return with their expertise, ideas and international networks.
"Come home. Bring your experience, ideas and networks. Build businesses here, invest here and create opportunities for yourselves and for Pakistan's youth," he said, adding that while challenges exist in every country, Pakistan continues to offer considerable untapped potential.
Shared goals
Muhammad also highlighted the role of SIFC and the Government of Pakistan in supporting investors through coordinated engagement and streamlined facilitation. He reaffirmed ABC's commitment to serving as a bridge between American businesses and the Government of Pakistan, helping strengthen commercial ties and encourage investment.
The strategic dialogue concluded with participants expressing a shared commitment to expanding bilateral trade, attracting greater US investment and developing commercially sustainable partnerships that support Pakistan's long-term economic development.