Pakistani American Chicagoland Chamber Gala Highlights New Opportunities for U.S.–Pakistan Trade and Investment
By Asim Siddiqui
CHICAGO: The Pakistani American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce (PACCC) brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and community representatives at its Annual Gala 2026, highlighting new opportunities to strengthen economic, educational and technological cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
The event provided a platform for discussions on expanding corridors of trade, knowledge, technology and investment, with particular attention to sectors including information technology, agriculture, energy, healthcare and education.
Chamber Chairman Dr. Tariq Butt emphasized collaboration in business and education, while healthcare cooperation was also part of the discussion, including how American expertise and institutions could contribute to Pakistan’s healthcare sector.
Chamber President Naveed Anwar outlined an ambitious vision for the organization, including plans to expand its reach beyond Chicagoland and develop stronger business-to-business connections across the Midwest. The Chamber also emphasized youth mentorship, university partnerships and creating new opportunities for Pakistani-American entrepreneurs.
Pakistan’s Consul General in Chicago, Zaman Mehdi, discussed the importance of moving Pakistan-U.S. economic relations toward greater trade and investment, while a message from Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, highlighted the important role Pakistani Americans can play in building commercial partnerships between the two countries.
The Chamber has already been working to build institutional connections. Earlier in 2026, it signed an agreement with the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce & Industry aimed at promoting trade, business networking, knowledge exchange and opportunities for Pakistani businesses interested in the U.S. market.
The gala demonstrated the growing potential of the Pakistani-American business community to serve as a bridge between the two countries—not only through investment, but also through technology, education, healthcare and professional expertise.
Congratulations to President Naveed Anwar, Chairman Dr. Tariq Butt, the Chamber leadership and the Pakistani-American Chicagoland community for bringing business leaders together and opening new avenues of cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
