FPCCI celebrates 250th Anniversary of US Independence

LAHORE, Jul 16 (APP):Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PFCCI) arranged a grand ceremony to celebrate 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America here at FPCCI Regional Office.

Speaking on the occasion, US Consul General in Lahore, Mr. Stetson Sanders thanked the FPCCI for hosting a ceremony commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States. He also planted a tree as a symbol of friendship and enduring partnership between Pakistan and the United States.

Mr. Sanders emphasized that people-to-people connections remain the foundation of strong bilateral relations. He described the event as a wonderful opportunity to strengthen cooperation, foster engagement, and further expand economic and commercial ties between the two countries.

He appreciated FPCCI’s role as a voice for Pakistan’s private sector, recognizing its efforts to create new opportunities for the business community and contribute to the country’s economic development.

Addressing the gathering, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh extended heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of the United States on this historic milestone.

He emphasized that the occasion presents an opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan–US relations through enhanced trade, investment, technology, innovation, education, and private-sector collaboration. He noted that the United States remains Pakistan’s largest single-country export destination, with bilateral goods trade reaching USD 8.7 billion in 2025, highlighting the importance of expanding commercial cooperation.

Atif Ikram Sheikh stressed that Pakistan offers significant opportunities for American investors in information technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, critical minerals, and digital services. The business community also underscored the need for policy consistency, regulatory reforms, improved ease of doing business, and stronger investment protection to unlock the full potential of bilateral economic relations.

Zaki Aijaz, Regional Chairman and Vice President FPCCI and S.M Tanveer, Patron in Chief United Business Group (UBG), said that the Federation will continue to serve as a bridge between the business communities of both countries by promoting trade delegations, investment forums, business-to-business networking, and strategic partnerships.

They concluded their remarks by expressing confidence that the next chapter of Pakistan–United States relations would be built on the trade, investment, innovation, and shared prosperity.