Report: Muhammad Saeed Sheikh.
Houston, Texas USA : Houston Karachi Sister City Association ( HKSCA), the Consulate General of Pakistan, and the APPNA- STC(Association of Doctors) hosted a Business Networking dinner and B2B meeting featuring a high profile Trade Delegation from Sialkot, Pakistan.
The event allowed all the delegates to showcase their product range and quality. Products displayed ranged from Sports Apparel, Leather Goods, Ice hockey, Sports safety wear, racing sports, surgical tools, beauty tools, and martial arts. The event had a complete display of quality products from Sialkot from nontraditional sectors. The event attracted a lot of attention and interest from the business community in Houston.
Sialkot Chamber representative (Mr. Shahzada Zeeshan Aeb) briefed about 300 years history of amazing craftsmanship of legendary Sialkot craftsmen. To the surprise of the audience, it was informed that Sialkot alone contributed more than 2.5 billion USD worth of exports from Pakistan. Sialkot not only produces more than 70% of global football, but it has much more to offer, ranging from surgical tools to aero tech parts, rice, and many more products.
The event was joined by dignitaries such as Consular General of Pakistan Houston Muhammad Aftab Chaudhry, who stated that Sialkot and cities like that in Pakistan have great potential with their quality products and affordable prices in the US. The Consul General advocated that these types of delegation must remain a consistent feature to raise awareness about Pakistani products in markets like the US.
Mr. Muhammad Saeed Sheikh (President of Houston Karachi Sister City Association, highlighted that his association has always played a pivotal role in supporting trade and development causes for Pakistan. He said that it is the most opportune time to focus on Trade Development from Pakistan considering economic challenges and tendered full support for all such endeavors. As the host, he thanked the entire business community for showing up.
Dr. Riaz ul Haq, President of APPNA- South Texas chapter said that Sialkot produces one of the best surgical tools in the world and encouraged Sialkot-based companies to develop their brands in the US.
Trade and Investment Attache of Pakistan, Mr. Salman Raza, highlighted the main objectives of the delegation sponsored by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). He stated that the real purpose of the delegation was to understand the US market, develop networking with the business community, and develop the brand Sialkot in the US like peer countries.
Mr. Tanwer Ahmad (A renowned Pakistani Businessman) advocated the need to establish a brand by giving examples like Ahsan Sports and CA. He stated that it is time for Sialkot companies to launch their brands.
Mr. Walter Ulrich (Medical Bridges), who remained instrumental in sending medical aid to Pakistan specifically during the flooding of 2022, thanked Pakistan Trade Delegation for their visit and said to enhance further cooperation.
Mr. Khaled Khan (Business Consultant at Walmart and Sam’s Club) said it is of utmost importance to approach big companies in the US and develop the capacity to compete in the US market as huge demand lies.
Mr. Orhan Usman (President of the Turkish US Business Council) and Mr. Kenneth Lee (Chairman of Southwest Management District), with many other notables from International Chambers & Trade Council and media outlets joined the dinner and appreciated the efforts of organizing the delegation.
The event attracted the attention of some big business names in Houston and pulled the business community to look at the product range offered by the Sialkot delegation. They appreciated both quality and diversity and offered a hand in developing brands and business relationships.
