ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan has appreciated American Pakistan Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) for playing a commendable role in strengthening trade and investment ties and promoting people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and the United States.

He was talking, during a virtual meeting with a delegation of American Pakistan Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), according to a Radio Pakistan’s report.

The meeting said the visit of Deputy Speaker New York State Assembly Phil Ramos to Pakistan has paved the way for establishment of sister-state relations with New York State.

It was also decided by the two sides during the visit to take practical steps for strengthening bilateral cooperation in healthcare sector and creating greater opportunities for paramedical staff from Pakistan to serve in the United States.

It was informed that the US side also agreed to facilitate Pakistan business community in organizing tradeshows and holding exhibitions in New York State and other cities of the United States to showcase Pakistani products and strengthen ties between the two countries.

The delegation briefed that three committees, comprising representatives of Pak Chamber of Commerce, APPAC and Deputy Speaker’s Office, have been constituted to chalk out a roadmap for implementation of the decisions.

Ambassador Masood Khan welcomed the outcome of the visit and appreciated the idea of establishment of sister-state relationship with New York State. Masood Khan said the sister-state agreements between California and Punjab and Sindh and Georgia provide a blueprint for a strong partnership with New York State.

He also highlighted huge trade and investment opportunities that awaited US investments especially in IT, renewable energy, agriculture and extractive industries. He said contribute towards making Pakistan economically strong by scaling up your investments in the country.

APPAC members thanked Ambassador Masood Khan for his continued support and guidance to the organization in fulfilling its mission of serving the two countries and its peoples.

Separately, the Ambassador also had a virtual meeting with the representatives of Pakistan Information and Cultural Organization (PICO) Arizona, Pakistan Society of North Texas(PSNT) and Pakistani American Association, Tampa Bay, Florida. Consul General Los Angeles Asim Ali Khan and CG Houston Aftab Ahmed Chaudhry were also present in the meeting.

Expressing satisfaction over the growing role of Pakistani community in the United States and their contributions toward US society, Masood Khan urged diaspora bodies to work in unison and create synergies for greater impact of their activities.