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Pakistan"s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, urged Pakistani-American entrepreneurs in the US to take advantage of economic opportunities in Pakistan and the government"s business-friendly policies, saying that the explosive growth of entrepreneurs and the tech sector in Pakistan generated significant economic opportunities and that the country is mature for attracting investment.

Ambassador Khan made the remarks while speaking at the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America"s (APPNA) 45th Annual Summer Convention in Atlantic City on the "Healthcare Entrepreneurship Landscape in Pakistan.

According to him, Pakistani-American startups have emerged as key stake - holders in the Pakistan-US economic partnership.

"Your success stories serve as a starting point for encouraging entrepreneurial drive and competitive nature among aspiring entrepreneurs in Pakistan, further strengthening the Pakistan-US partnership," the ambassador said.

Highlighting the significant successes of Pakistani startups, Ambassador Khan stated that over $800 million has been invested in Pakistani startups in the last 18 months, and global investors are engaged in Pakistani startups.

In Pakistan, there are presently 3,720 startups, 356 of which are HealthTech startups. According to the ambassador, health entrepreneurs are trying to reverse the present system of hospital-centered healthcare provision by bringing healthcare to patients at their point of need through a "patient-centered" approach.

He stated that government is devoted to facilitating startups and new businesses in Pakistan, and that the generalisation of the tax regime, promotions for new businesses, the organisation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and the liberalisation of the visa regime demonstrate Pakistan"s eagerness to become a desirable investment destination.

Speaking about the challenges the pandemic posed to the global healthcare sector, Ambassador Khan thanked the US government for providing 62 million COVID-19 vaccines and stated that the pandemic served as a reminder to start preparing for future challenges of a similar nature. He also urged physicians and shareholders to invest their overcapacity in Pakistan"s healthcare sector in order to capitalise on the opportunities available.

The APPNA is the leading healthcare organisation in the United States. The APPNA"s Committee on Medical Education, Research, and Information Technology Transfer (MERIT) and Accessible Global organised the symposium (Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs).

Participants conversed with Ambassador Khan and inquired about investment opportunities and facilities available to potential investors.