Chicago: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has extended an invitation to Pakistani-American entrepreneurs and business leaders in Chicago to contribute their resources and expertise towards Pakistan’s economic growth. Speaking to a group that included a 20-member delegation comprised of former Fortune 500 executives, AI founders, and US technology investors, Iqbal emphasized the importance of translating recent macroeconomic gains into sustainable development.

According to Press Information Department, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in national security and macroeconomic stability, urging the diaspora to leverage their connections and expertise. He outlined the URAAN-Pakistan economic agenda, which aims to expand Pakistan’s economy to $1 trillion by 2035 and $3 trillion by 2047 through strategic investments in key sectors such as information technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Iqbal’s engagements also included discussions with the University of Chicago on potential collaborations in public policy, curriculum reform, and climate resilience. The minister underscored the government’s focus on building human capital and integrating modern skills into the workforce. The meetings resulted in agreements on educational programs, public-sector transformation, and climate initiatives, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy.

The minister concluded his visit by reaffirming the shared vision of economic cooperation and human-capital development, expressing optimism about the role of overseas Pakistanis in realizing these ambitions.