California, 10 January 2023 (TDI): California and Punjab have formed a strong sister province partnership for mutual benefit at an event in the United States.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States (US), Ambassador Masood Khan attended the event hosted by Dr. Asif Mahmood, a prominent leader, and politician, at his residence.
Whilst there, he addressed the Pakistani-American community leaders, California lawmakers, educationists, and social entrepreneurs.
He stated that “A strong sister province partnership between California and Punjab in the areas of agriculture, education, industry, and IT entrepreneurship would help exploit the untapped economic potential and promote greater people-to-people exchanges.”
Along these lines, he further reiterated that “The economy of California, on one hand, and a vibrant middle class of the largest populated province of Pakistan, on the other, could create the required synergies for nurturing a mutually beneficial and win-win partnership.”
Ambassador Masood Khan also thanked Dr. Asif Mahmood for the warm welcome and for his ongoing efforts to project a positive image of Pakistan in California. He emphasized the ‘longevity and resilience’ of the Pakistan-US relationship.
“From the Cold War and post-Cold War periods, we have brought this legacy of cooperation to the era of the new technological age, which is constantly transforming regional and global landscapes,” he stated.
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The two countries’ spirit of solidarity endures. In this vein, Ambassador Masood emphasized the importance of the Pakistani diaspora in strengthening mutual bonds and acting as a “bridge” between the two countries, as well as Punjab and California.
He highlighted that “More than 200,000 Pak-Americans in California and West Coast are acting as a catalyst in our relationship.”
The Ambassador went on to underscore the recent surge in bilateral trade volume and observed that there was enormous potential, particularly in the tech and IT sectors, to increase bilateral trade volume.
He expressed hope that a strong partnership between California and Punjab would help to unlock the existing potential for the mutual benefit of the people.
The reception was also attended by Representative Judy Chu, California State Assembly-member Chris Holden, Former secretary Labor Hilda Solis, representatives from the State Assembly as well as a large number of Pak-American community leaders.
Congresswoman Judi Chu welcomed the Pakistani delegation to California. She highlighted similarities between California and Punjab including the vibrant population and strong agricultural bases of the two sides.
“This will be the start of a wonderful partnership between California and Punjab as we have so many commonalities to build up on,” She observed.
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Senator Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani also attended the event while Chairman of Planning and Development, Wasif Khurshid represented the province of Punjab.
