WASHINGTON: The government hassteppedupeffortstobroadenits economic engagement with the United States beyond traditional trade by encouraging overseas Pakistanis to invest in healthcare, technology, exports and innovation.
The renewed push to deepen economic engagement with the US follows a diplomatic breakthrough that enhanced Pakistan’s standing in Washington.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, while speaking at the 49th annual convention of the Association ofPhysicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, urged Pakistani American professionals and entrepreneurs to become partners in the country’s economic transformation under the government’s ‘URAAN Pakistan’ initiative.
Addressing Pakistani American physicians, Mr Iqbal proposed establishing telemedicine support panels comprising US-based medical specialists for each of Pakistan’s 60 districts. The initiative would allow doctors serving in remote areas to consult overseas experts through digital platforms, helping improve access to specialist healthcare whilepromoting knowledge transfer.
He also invited overseas medical professionals to help Pakistan develop artificial intelligencebased healthcare solutions.
During separate meetings with Pakistani-American business leaders, Mr Iqbal invited overseas entrepreneurs and investors to expand investment, facilitate technology transfer and help Pakistani businesses gain greater access to international markets.
He said the government was pursuing an export-led and innovationdriven growth strategy designed to improve competitiveness, create jobs and attract foreign direct investment.The minister highlighted opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, renewable energy and climate resilience, saying the Pakistani diaspora’s professional expertise and global business networks could play an important role in supporting Pakistan’s longterm economic development.
Mr Iqbal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the investment climate, ensuring policy continuity and strengthening partnerships with overseas Pakistanis, describing the diaspora as one of Pakistan’s most valuable strategic assets for achieving sustainable economic growth.