The Consulate General of Pakistan in Los Angeles hosted a Business Roundtable, bringing together American entrepreneurs, investors, and business executives for an in-depth dialogue on trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) framework.
The roundtable was organized by Consul General Mr. Asim Ali Khan, Trade and Investment Counselor Quratulain Fatima and other senior officials.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Sheikh highlighted the transformation of Pakistan’s investment landscape through the institutional reforms and policy incentives announced by the Government under the SIFC framework. He underscored the strategic imperatives underpinning Pakistan’s international engagements to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in priority sectors and invited American companies to take advantage of Pakistan’s expanding industrial base, youthful workforce, and competitive market access. The Ambassador apprised the participants about upward trajectory of Pakistan’s economy and international appreciation of government’s sound economic policies.
Consul General Mr. Asim Ali Khan welcomed participants and reiterated the Consulate’s commitment to facilitating business linkages, especially in California and the broader western U.S. region. He emphasized the growing demand for sustainable infrastructure, technology solutions, and agri-tech in Pakistan, opening wide avenues for U.S. innovation-led partnerships.
Ambassador Sheikh briefed attendees on the approval of 28 strategic projects in 2025 and transformed business friendly environment.
The participants were briefed on the incentives under the SIFC framework such as a 10-year tax holiday for SEZ investors, duty-free import of capital goods, 100% tax credit for IT exports, reduced 0.25% withholding tax on digital services, and fast-track investor visas.
The event showcased Pakistan’s modernized SEZ policy offering plug-and-play infrastructure and one-window facilitation to global investors, with service sectors like IT, logistics, and e-commerce now eligible.
During the conversation, Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh also emphasized the immense potential for collaboration between Pakistan and the United States in the entertainment and creative industries.
The launch of Pakistan’s Sovereign Wealth Fund was discussed as a co-investment vehicle pooling assets from key state enterprises to support SIFC-approved projects..
The roundtable also deliberately on strengthening bilateral cultural collaboration in the age of AI and digital media. The Ambassador highlighted that Pakistan’s vibrant cultural heritage, growing pool of talented artists, and expanding digital media infrastructure offer unique opportunities for co-productions, content licensing, and talent exchange. He invited U.S. filmmakers, studios, and streaming platforms to explore Pakistan as both a creative partner and an emerging production destination. He further highlighted the soft power of Pakistan’s media and entertainment industry in building bridges between communities, and nations, fostering mutual understanding, and unlocking new economic avenues through cultural diplomacy.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Sheikh urged American stakeholders to view Pakistan as a strategic investment destination and partner in building resilient, future-ready supply chains. He reaffirmed the Embassy and Consulates’ commitment to facilitating market access, regulatory navigation, and project-level matchmaking for U.S. investors.
The Roundtable marks a continuation of Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic outreach under its “Rising Pakistan” narrative and builds on the momentum of recent engagements aimed at deepening economic diplomacy and private sector collaboration.
Los Angeles
May 19, 2025
