OPGF Europe, GCCI vow to strengthen diaspora investment and global trade cooperation

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By Shabbir Hussain

GUJRANWALA, July 6 (Diplomatic Star): Vice President of the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation (OPGF) Europe, Suleman Gondal, visited the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Wednesday.

Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration for promoting diaspora investment, expanding international trade and creating greater business opportunities for Pakistani entrepreneurs.

Mr. Gondal was warmly received by GCCI President Muhammad Ali Hamyoon Butt, members of the Executive Committee and senior office-bearers of the chamber.

The meeting focused on strengthening institutional linkages between the overseas Pakistani business community and Pakistan’s industrial sector, while exploring practical measures to increase foreign investment, facilitate exports and encourage greater participation of overseas Pakistanis in the country’s economic development.

Speaking on the occasion, GCCI President Muhammad Ali Hamyoon Butt said overseas Pakistanis have consistently played a vital role in Pakistan’s economy through remittances, investments and the transfer of international expertise.

He said their growing contribution offers significant opportunities for industrial development, technology transfer and enhanced global market access.

He said the Gujranwala Chamber remains committed to building strong partnerships with overseas business organizations to help local industries explore new export destinations and attract foreign investment.

The GCCI president highlighted Gujranwala’s position as one of Pakistan’s leading industrial and manufacturing hubs, producing engineering goods, ceramics, sports equipment, electrical appliances, surgical instruments and other export-oriented products.

He said stronger engagement with overseas Pakistani entrepreneurs would help local manufacturers establish international business partnerships, diversify exports and improve competitiveness in global markets.

Muhammad Ali Hamyoon Butt also stressed the importance of creating a business-friendly environment that encourages overseas Pakistanis to invest in productive sectors of the economy.

He noted that closer coordination between chambers of commerce and overseas business organizations could help identify investment opportunities and facilitate joint ventures in manufacturing, information technology, agriculture and services.

Addressing the meeting, OPGF Europe Vice President Suleman Gondal appreciated GCCI’s efforts in promoting Pakistan’s business community and strengthening industrial growth.

He said overseas Pakistanis possess tremendous financial resources, professional expertise and international business networks that can contribute significantly to Pakistan’s sustainable economic development.

He added that OPGF Europe has been working to strengthen connections between the Pakistani diaspora and national institutions while encouraging overseas investors to explore emerging business opportunities in Pakistan.

Suleman Gondal said overseas Pakistanis are keen to invest in their homeland, particularly in sectors offering long-term growth and employment generation.

However, he stressed the need for continued policy support, improved facilitation and stronger institutional coordination to unlock the full potential of diaspora investment.

He said OPGF Europe is committed to working with chambers of commerce, government institutions and the private sector to promote trade, investment and entrepreneurship.

He emphasized that the Pakistani diaspora can serve as an effective bridge between Pakistan and international markets by promoting exports, facilitating technology transfer and encouraging foreign investors to explore opportunities across different sectors of the economy.

The participants also discussed measures to improve collaboration in business networking, trade promotion, investment facilitation and knowledge sharing.

Both sides explored the possibility of organizing joint business forums, investment conferences, trade delegations, seminars and networking events aimed at connecting overseas Pakistani entrepreneurs with local industries.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promote innovation and encourage youth entrepreneurship through international business collaboration.

Participants agreed that greater engagement with the Pakistani diaspora would help enhance export competitiveness, attract foreign direct investment and strengthen Pakistan’s integration into global value chains.

They also underlined the need to develop sustainable mechanisms that enable overseas Pakistanis to contribute not only through remittances but also through investment, innovation, skills development and business partnerships.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination and transforming discussions into practical initiatives that support industrial growth, expand international trade and create new economic opportunities for Pakistan.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to strengthen cooperation between OPGF Europe and the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry for promoting diaspora engagement, encouraging investment and contributing to Pakistan’s long-term economic prosperity.