Karachi: The Houston–Karachi Sister City Association (HKSCA) delegation, led by President Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, held a high-level meeting with U.S. Consul General Charles Goodman in Karachi to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand economic and cultural ties between Pakistan and the United States.
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The meeting took place during a luncheon hosted by the U.S. Consul General at his residence and was attended by senior officials of the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, including the Deputy Consul General and heads of Economic Development and Public Affairs.
The HKSCA delegation included senior representatives Muhammad Kashif Ghayaas and Muhammad Yasir Qazi. During the meeting, President Sheikh briefed the U.S. side on the organization’s mission, history, and ongoing initiatives focused on promoting trade, education, cultural exchange, and humanitarian assistance between Karachi and Houston.
He also highlighted HKSCA’s humanitarian response efforts during emergencies, undertaken in collaboration with partner organizations, and acknowledged the support of Chief Patron Syed Javaid Anwar for advancing the association’s objectives.
Both sides held detailed discussions on expanding trade, investment, and business-to-business linkages between Pakistan and the United States. A key proposal emerging from the meeting was the organization of a Pakistan–U.S. Business & Investment Forum in Houston, aimed at providing a structured platform for economic engagement.
The proposed forum is expected to be developed in coordination with the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, the Consulate General of Pakistan in Houston, and HKSCA, along with business stakeholders from both countries. Priority sectors identified for cooperation include IT, healthcare, energy, food and agribusiness, and manufacturing.
A joint working group was also discussed to facilitate planning, coordination, and implementation of the proposed initiatives.
The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation for continued diplomatic engagement and a shared commitment to turning discussions into practical economic outcomes that strengthen Pakistan–U.S. relations.
As a gesture of goodwill, President Muhammad Saeed Sheikh presented an official City Seal from the Mayor of Houston to Consul General Charles Goodman, symbolizing the longstanding partnership between Houston and Karachi.
