Three-year agreement aims to connect Pakistani businesses with US markets, investors and joint-venture partners across key sectors.
KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) and Friends of Pakistan (FoP) USA / Pakistan Trade Advisory have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a comprehensive framework for strengthening bilateral trade, investment, entrepreneurship and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
The agreement was signed at the KCCI premises by KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif and President Friends of Pakistan USA Jamal Khawaja.
Junaid Esmail Makda, former KCCI president and chairman of the Special Committee to Implement MoUs, and Farrukh Sheikh, vice president of Pakistan Trade Advisory, FoP USA, witnessed the signing ceremony.
Speaking about the key features of the agreement, Rehan Hanif described the MoU as an important strategic step towards strengthening Pakistan-US trade and investment ties and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
He said that under the three-year strategic framework, KCCI and Friends of Pakistan USA would work together to facilitate bilateral trade and investment by connecting Pakistani enterprises with US markets, investors and potential joint-venture partners.
Focus on B2B connectivity
The initiative will also seek to enhance business-to-business (B2B) connectivity through high-level trade delegations, business forums, exhibitions and targeted networking sessions.
These activities are intended to provide businesses with opportunities to establish direct commercial relationships and explore potential partnerships.
Hanif said particular emphasis would be placed on high-potential sectors, including information technology, textiles, agriculture, manufacturing and startups.
He noted that Pakistan has considerable capacity in these sectors and that stronger engagement with the US market could create opportunities for increased exports, investment and joint ventures.
Market intelligence and regulatory information
The KCCI president further said the MoU would facilitate the exchange of market intelligence and information concerning tariffs, regulatory requirements, compliance procedures and market-access conditions.
He highlighted the potential importance of this information for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which could use greater market knowledge to better understand regulatory requirements and assess opportunities in the US market.
“The three-year agreement provides a structured and sustainable platform for the private sectors of Pakistan and the United States to move beyond traditional business contacts towards meaningful trade, investment and joint-venture partnerships,” Hanif said.
He added that KCCI was committed to utilising the framework to create tangible opportunities for Pakistani businesses, particularly SMEs, to expand their international presence and enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
Hanif expressed confidence that the partnership would contribute to deeper commercial engagement between Pakistan and the United States and open new avenues for trade, investment, technology collaboration and private-sector-led economic growth.
The MoU is expected to provide a structured platform for business communities from both countries to enhance commercial linkages and explore opportunities for long-term cooperation.