By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: President Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Faheem ur Rehman Saigol said that Pakistan and the United States enjoy a strong and long-standing economic relationship based on trade, investment and people-to-people connections, and there is tremendous potential to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation through enhanced US business partnerships, greater investment and improved market access.
He was speaking during the visit of a high-powered United States Business Delegation to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The delegation visited LCCI as part of its Pakistan tour facilitated by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Among those present on the occasion were LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Chairman Rice Land Group, Tahir Javed, Director SIFC USA, Lt. Col. Jehanzeb President Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Mr. Naveed Anwar, Hafeez Khan, Former LCCI President Tahir Javed Malik, Executive Committee Members Ahad Amin Malik, Nadeem Ansari, Rana Nisar, Ali Imran and Rana Shoban Akhtar, distinguished members of the US Business Delegation and representatives of the business community.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Rice Land Group Tahir Javed said that the delegation had held extensive meetings with Pakistan’s top leadership, including the Prime Minister, SIFC officials, ministers and provincial leadership, and had witnessed strong enthusiasm for investment and economic cooperation throughout the country. He said that the delegation was leaving Pakistan with renewed confidence because, for the first time, investors had been presented with a substantial portfolio of ready-to-invest projects.
Tahir Javed highlighted the vast potential for collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, agriculture, telemedicine and trade facilitation. He noted that his company had successfully secured US FDA approval for a medical device manufactured in Pakistan and offered support to pharmaceutical companies interested in obtaining FDA certifications to access international markets. He also emphasized opportunities related to soybean imports, medical tourism and healthcare cooperation through Pakistani-American medical professionals serving in the United States. He appreciated the efforts of SIFC and the Punjab government in presenting concrete investment opportunities and expressed optimism that members of the delegation would soon move forward with investment initiatives in Pakistan.
Addressing the gathering, Director SIFC USA Lt. Col. Jehanzeb said that the visit was part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. He informed participants that the delegation was assessing Pakistan’s investment landscape, ease of doing business and opportunities available in different sectors. He stated that the feedback gathered during the visit would help pave the way for future engagements with the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), whose delegations are expected to visit Pakistan later this year to explore financing opportunities in collaboration with the private sector.
LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol termed the visit as a significant step towards strengthening economic relations between the two countries. He appreciated the Special Investment Facilitation Council for arranging and coordinating the visit, saying that SIFC has played a valuable role in showcasing Pakistan’s investment potential to the international community.
The LCCI President noted that the delegation’s visit to Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore had enabled its members to engage with Pakistan’s political leadership and business community, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the country’s economic strengths and investment prospects.
He expressed the hope that the delegates would leave Pakistan with positive impressions and enhanced confidence in the country’s business environment.
Faheem ur Rehman Saigol said that the United States remains Pakistan’s largest export destination, accounting for approximately 20 percent of the country’s total exports. Citing State Bank of Pakistan figures, he said that bilateral trade had increased from approximately US$8.4 billion in 2024-25 to US$9.4 billion in 2025-26, while Pakistan’s exports to the United States had reached nearly US$6.1 billion. He said that stronger business partnerships and greater market access could significantly increase trade volumes in the coming years.
He observed that the delegation represented a broad spectrum of sectors, including textiles, information technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, real estate, critical minerals and mining, energy, defence technologies, business solutions, insurance and agriculture. He said that the expertise and experience of the delegates created excellent opportunities for joint ventures, technology transfer, investment partnerships and knowledge sharing.
Highlighting Punjab’s importance in the national economy, the LCCI President said that the province contributes nearly 55 percent of Pakistan’s GDP and serves as the country’s economic engine. He added that Punjab offers a large consumer market, skilled human resources, established industrial clusters and a strategic location, making it an attractive destination for foreign investors. He encouraged the delegation to continue exploring opportunities in Punjab and assured full support from the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Faheem ur Rehman Saigol also underlined the importance of peace and stability for sustainable economic growth and appreciated the constructive role played by Pakistan and the United States in promoting regional harmony. He said that Pakistan remains committed to cooperation, peace and economic development, which are essential for prosperity and global progress.
