Pakistan, US firms explore tech tie-ups at Tech Connect 2026

October 26, 2026 (MLN): Stronger technology partnerships between Pakistan and the US could open new commercial opportunities and feed growth in the digital economy of both countries, and the Pakistan-US Tech Connect 2026 made a strong push in that direction by bringing together a large number of American Midwest companies, Pakistani technology firms, policymakers and business leaders.

The conference was co-hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and OPEN Global, whose joint effort drew wide participation from both sides, said a press release issued.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, opened the conference by pointing to the scope for deeper technology cooperation and for matching Pakistan’s growing capabilities with the needs of American businesses through lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Citing Pakistan’s youthful population, he urged US technology companies to improve their profitability by turning to the country’s low-cost, high-quality human capital.

Illinois State Representative Justin Slaughter and State Senator Laura Murphy addressed the gathering, followed by Daniel Bellefleur, Vice President for Foreign Direct Investment at the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, who shared the state’s economic development perspective.

PSEB CEO Faisal Jeddy spoke on Pakistan’s IT landscape and emerging business opportunities, stressing the country’s skilled workforce, competitive costs and rising capacity to deliver advanced technology solutions.

Ignite CEO Bilal Abbasi covered the startup ecosystem, while OPEN Global President Tariq Khan outlined areas for collaboration.

Pakistani companies presented their capabilities and services to American businesses, among them Strategic Systems International, 10Pearls, Abacus, Systems Limited, Nextbridge, Addo AI, Excellence Delivered, Folio3 and TMC.

Panel discussions looked at how Pakistani technology firms can build and scale enterprise partnerships across the US, how buyers in the American middle market behave, and what market-entry strategies work best.

A separate session on moving beyond outsourcing examined what US enterprise buyers and investors look for in Pakistani technology companies.

Networking sessions let Midwest companies and the visiting delegation talk through business needs, identify potential partners and explore follow-up engagements.

In his closing remarks, Consul General Zaman Mehdi thanked participants and partners, crediting the cooperation among government, private enterprise and the Pakistani-American diaspora for making the conference possible. OPEN Chicago Chairman Aamir Chalisa also gave concluding remarks.

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