Karachi, November 8, 2023 – In a significant step to strengthen economic ties between New York and Pakistan, Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly Phil Ramos paid a visit to Pakistan and met with the business community to explore potential areas of cooperation.
During his visit, Deputy Speaker Ramos recognized the economic importance of Karachi, comparing it to New York City in terms of its role in supporting other regions and filling financial gaps. He emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between New York and Karachi, proposing the creation of sister states and establishing taskforces to identify mutually beneficial opportunities.
Deputy Speaker Ramos also highlighted the importance of organizing roadshows to showcase Pakistani products and services to American consumers, suggesting the creation of a dedicated platform to promote Pakistani businesses in the United States. He further emphasized the need to sign MoUs in various areas, including economic development, health, and businesses.
President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh welcomed Deputy Speaker Ramos’s visit and expressed his support for the idea of declaring Sindh and New York as Sister States. He stated that such a partnership would foster cultural exchange, educational collaboration, economic cooperation, and trade partnerships between the two states.
President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Irfan Iqbal Sheikh emphasized the importance of New York as a key trading partner for Pakistan. He stressed the need for enhanced access to the U.S. market for Pakistani businesses and called for easing visa issuance procedures to facilitate business interactions.
Deputy Speaker Ramos announced a series of proposed measures to formalize cooperation between APPAC and his assembly with FPCCI, including the formation of two high-powered committees to explore investment opportunities, advocacy for humanitarian and economic assistance to Pakistan, and facilitation of visa issuance for Pakistani businessmen.
The visit of Deputy Speaker Ramos underscores the growing economic ties between New York and Pakistan and the potential for further collaboration between the two regions. The proposed initiatives, such as the creation of sister states and taskforces, are expected to promote trade, investment, and cultural exchange, benefiting both economies.
