Lahore: Deputy Speaker of New York State Assembly, Phillip Ramos, embarked on a historic visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), accompanied by members of the American Pakistan Public Affairs Committee (APPAC). During this momentous visit, LCCI President Kashif Anwar extended a warm welcome to the delegation. The meeting also saw the participation of Senior Vice President Zafar Mahmood Chaudhry, Vice President Adnan Khalid Butt, Advisor to Deputy Speaker Ather Tirmizi, and Chairman American Pakistanis Public Affairs Committee Dr. Ijaz Ahmad. Several LCCI Executive Committee members were also present.
The Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly stated that the purpose of his visit is to establish a sister-state relationship and foster collaboration between the two regions in various sectors, including agriculture, education, health, trade, and culture. He emphasized the importance of focusing on economic development amid geopolitical complexities and expressed his commitment to supporting Pakistani businesses interested in conducting trade with the United States. He also offered assistance for trade shows, exhibitions, and dialogues and highlighted potential areas of cooperation in IT, pharmacy, agriculture, and more. The Deputy Speaker’s primary goal is to promote small businesses and facilitate their connection with the market.
LCCI President Kashif Anwar lauded the significance of this visit and highlighted the organization’s dedication to building global ties and enhancing Pakistan’s trade and economic relations with the United States. He emphasized the importance of the partnership between New York, known for its unique blend of culture, finance, and innovation, and Punjab, a region that significantly contributes to Pakistan’s economic prosperity and cultural diversity. The synergy between these two regions holds enormous potential and aligns with the agreement signed in January 2023, declaring Punjab and California as “sister provinces.” Kashif Anwar encouraged close collaboration to bring about transformative change in the socio-economic landscape of Punjab and further strengthen Pakistan-American relations.
He urged Punjab’s government authorities to work closely with the office of the Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly and take concrete steps to make this initiative a reality. He expressed full support from the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and emphasized the win-win potential of this partnership, fostering trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in various sectors.
Kashif Anwar also addressed the ongoing global crises, including the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Ukraine-Russia war, underscoring the need for a unified global response. These conflicts have contributed to economic slowdown, rising unemployment, and disruptions in the supply chain, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in resolving these issues. Additionally, he raised concerns about increasing incidents of blasphemy in some parts of the Western world, emphasizing the need for exercising freedom of expression with sensitivity and respect for religious beliefs.
This visit marks a significant step towards strengthening economic and cultural ties between New York and Punjab, with the potential to bring about positive change and collaboration.
