Pakistan–US Tech Connect 2026 Concludes in Chicago, Strengthening Bilateral Technology and Investment Partnerships
United States Remains Pakistan’s Largest IT Export Market; Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh Calls for Long-Term Strategic Partnerships and Greater Access for Pakistani Technology Firms
US Lawmakers, Technology Executives, Investors and Leading Pakistani IT Companies Explore New Opportunities in Digital Trade, Innovation and Cross-Border Investment
CHICAGO / WASHINGTON, D.C. — By Fazal Khaliq | October 24, 2026
The Pakistan–US Tech Connect 2026 series concluded in Chicago with a major technology and business networking event, bringing together American lawmakers, technology executives, investors, policymakers and leading Pakistani information technology companies to explore new opportunities for bilateral trade, investment and strategic cooperation in the rapidly expanding digital economy.
The event, jointly organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., the Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and OPEN Global, highlighted Pakistan’s growing technological capabilities and its potential to strengthen commercial partnerships with the United States.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, inaugurated the Chicago event and emphasized the importance of establishing sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships between Pakistani technology companies and American businesses.
Addressing participants, Ambassador Sheikh underscored that the United States remains Pakistan’s largest export market for information technology services, making it a vital partner in Pakistan’s efforts to expand its digital economy and strengthen its global competitiveness.
He said the Pakistan–US Tech Connect initiative aims to connect Pakistan’s highly skilled young professionals, innovative technology enterprises and expanding IT industry with opportunities in the American marketplace.
The ambassador noted that annual technology roadshows over the past three years have provided Pakistani companies with valuable international exposure, enabling them to showcase their capabilities, innovative products and professional expertise to potential business partners.
He also expressed satisfaction with the positive response to the 2026 series, emphasizing that the initiative represents a continuing effort to build meaningful commercial relationships, with long-term results expected to emerge progressively.
The event featured participation from Illinois State Representative Justin Slaughter and State Senator Laura Murphy, reflecting engagement by American state-level policymakers in discussions surrounding international technology collaboration and economic development.
Daniel Belfleur, Vice President for Foreign Direct Investment at the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, provided insights into the state’s economic development initiatives and opportunities for international business engagement.
Pakistan Software Export Board Chief Executive Officer Faisal Jeddy highlighted Pakistan’s competitive advantages in the technology sector, including its skilled workforce, expanding innovation capabilities and growing potential to serve international markets.
Ignite Chief Executive Officer Bilal Abbasi discussed Pakistan’s emerging startup ecosystem, while OPEN Global President Tariq Khan emphasized opportunities for stronger business connections and technology cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
Leading Pakistani technology companies, including Strategic Systems International, 10Pearls, Abacus, Systems Limited, Nextbridge, Addo AI, Excellence Delivered, Folio3 and TMC, presented their technological capabilities, innovative solutions and professional services to American business representatives.
The conference also featured panel discussions examining market-entry strategies for Pakistani companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in the United States.
Participants explored enterprise partnerships, outsourcing opportunities, investor expectations, buyer requirements and strategies for aligning Pakistani technology services with the evolving demands of American businesses.
Dedicated networking sessions provided opportunities for representatives of Midwest-based companies and the visiting Pakistani delegation to discuss commercial requirements, potential collaborations and future business relationships.
American and Pakistani business representatives expressed their commitment to maintaining dialogue, exploring strategic partnerships and expanding bilateral commercial engagement.
In his concluding remarks, Pakistan’s Consul General in Chicago, Zaman Mehdi, thanked participating organizations, business leaders and institutional partners for their contributions to the event.
He also acknowledged the support of government institutions, the private sector and the Pakistani American community in promoting economic engagement and strengthening business connections between the two countries.
The successful conclusion of Pakistan–US Tech Connect 2026 marks another step in efforts to deepen technology-driven economic cooperation between Islamabad and Washington.
The initiative is expected to support greater international exposure for Pakistani IT companies, facilitate potential business partnerships and create new opportunities for technology exports and investment.
As Pakistan seeks to expand its role in the global digital economy, sustained engagement with American technology firms, investors and business institutions could contribute to stronger commercial ties, greater market access and long-term economic collaboration between the two nations.
