WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has urged American technology companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, highlighting the country’s expanding IT industry, skilled workforce and potential for partnerships in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other emerging technologies.
Addressing the Pak-US Tech Connect 2026 conference in Dallas, Texas, the ambassador said investment in advanced technology had become strategically important for strengthening economic relations between Pakistan and the United States.
The conference brought together 13 leading Pakistani technology companies, American business executives, investors and members of the Pakistani-American community to explore commercial partnerships and expand Pakistan’s presence in the US technology market.
The event was jointly organised by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, the Consulate General of Pakistan in Houston, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).
Sheikh described the United States as Pakistan’s largest IT export market and a global technology hub, offering significant opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies.
He said Pakistan’s growing technological capabilities and competitive advantages could provide American businesses with commercially attractive investment opportunities.
Highlighting the country’s demographic potential, the ambassador said more than 60 percent of Pakistan’s population was under the age of 30, providing a substantial pool of young talent for the technology industry.
He emphasised that the conference was not merely intended to showcase Pakistani companies but to establish meaningful business relationships that could lead to long-term investment and technology partnerships.
The ambassador said the 13 participating Pakistani technology firms possessed international experience and specialised expertise, making them potential partners for American companies seeking technology services and digital solutions.
He also encouraged the Pakistani-American community to play a greater role in facilitating business connections and promoting Pakistan as a reliable and competitive technology partner.
Sheikh reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to facilitating investment, strengthening technological cooperation and converting business engagement into sustainable commercial partnerships between the two countries.
Speaking at the conference, the Chief Executive Officer of PSEB highlighted the continued expansion of Pakistan’s IT industry and its growing competitiveness in international markets.
He said Pakistan produces approximately 70,000 graduates in information technology and computer science annually, strengthening the country’s capacity to meet international demand for technology services.
According to the PSEB chief, Pakistan’s IT exports recorded average annual growth of around 21 percent over the past four years, reaching approximately $435 million in September 2026.
He identified the United States as a major international market for Pakistani IT services and stressed the importance of expanding commercial relationships with American technology companies.
The conference highlighted Pakistani firms’ capabilities in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, financial technology and enterprise software solutions.
The PSEB chief said the board was working with relevant government institutions, including the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), to support investors and address operational challenges affecting technology businesses.
Participating Pakistani companies delivered presentations showcasing their technical expertise, international projects and experience serving global clients.
Business-to-business meetings provided opportunities for Pakistani firms to engage directly with American corporate executives, investors, technology buyers and potential strategic partners.
Representatives from the Dallas-Fort Worth business community and other parts of Texas also participated in discussions aimed at identifying opportunities for commercial cooperation.
The Dallas conference formed part of the Pak-US Tech Connect 2026 series, designed to strengthen Pakistan’s access to the American technology market and encourage long-term digital economic partnerships.
Further events were scheduled for Washington, DC, on October 21 and Chicago on October 23, bringing Pakistani technology companies into contact with additional American investors and business leaders.
The initiative reflects Pakistan’s efforts to expand IT exports, attract foreign investment and strengthen its position in the international technology services market.