NEW YORK: A delegation from the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), led by its President Usman Shaukat, visited New York from 11–14 February 2026 to explore structured investment opportunities in the United States, with particular emphasis on the New York and New Jersey region.
The visit reflected growing interest among leading Pakistani entrepreneurs in outward investment and global expansion. Delegation members noted that recent pro-business and investment-oriented policy signals under President Donald Trump’s administration have enhanced investor confidence and motivated exploration of potential commercial presence in the U.S. market, including acquisitions, joint ventures, and greenfield investments.
The delegation commenced formal engagements on 12 February with a detailed briefing at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). The Director of Global Affairs, Ms. Anne-Sophie Mahle, and the Director of Global FDI & Capital Markets, Mr. Youcif Almegaryaf, presented New York City’s strategic investment landscape.
Priority sectors discussed included real estate development, biotechnology and life sciences, sustainable infrastructure, and capital markets access. NYCEDC highlighted public–private partnership models, innovation ecosystem advantages, and facilitation mechanisms available to foreign investors.
Subsequently, discussions with the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce focused on regulatory pathways, sectoral competitiveness, and institutional collaboration frameworks.
The delegation examined opportunities in IT-enabled services, logistics, food processing, and technology-driven enterprises, while assessing compliance requirements and state-level incentives.
At the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, the delegation met with Consul General Mr. Aamer Ahmed Atozai and Trade and Investment Counsellor Mr. Adnan Mahmood Awan.
Strategic discussions centered on structured market entry models, leveraging diaspora networks, and aligning outward investment with Pakistan’s broader economic diplomacy objectives. Emphasis was placed on sustainable investment models that create long-term commercial linkages and enhance bilateral economic depth.
In Manhattan, the delegation engaged with the President of OPEN NY to explore diaspora-led capital mobilization, venture partnerships, and startup incubation channels. The role of Pakistani-American business leaders in facilitating cross-border investment flows was underscored as a key enabler.
On 13 February, the delegation met with Choose New Jersey to assess state-level investment incentives, tax structures, workforce strengths, and site selection support mechanisms.
Particular attention was given to New Jersey’s pharmaceutical, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and technology clusters. Discussions also covered subsidiary establishment procedures and commercial real estate acquisition frameworks.
Further engagement with the Chamber of Industry Association New Jersey examined industrial collaboration models, supply chain integration prospects, and potential manufacturing partnerships. Both sides expressed interest in structured follow-up mechanisms to translate exploratory discussions into tangible investment outcomes.
The delegation concluded that engagements with U.S. economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and private sector representatives were substantive and strategically valuable. The visit provided clarity on regulatory environments, incentive frameworks, and sector-specific opportunities.
Delegation members indicated intent to pursue detailed feasibility assessments and maintain structured dialogue with stakeholders in the New York and New Jersey region.
