Pakistani-American business leaders have launched the first-ever Georgia-Pakistan Business Council, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. The aim of the project is to support small businesses, Pakistani-American entrepreneurs, and companies that aim to educate, empower, and equip Pakistani-American leaders.
“The new chamber comes at a crucial time as Pakistani-owned businesses and trade between US and Pakistan are expanding in the State of Georgia,” said founding member Rahim Shah Akhunkhail. “Our vision is to strengthen the ties between Pakistani American business owners and Georgia businesses, corporations, and the government. Our founding members are developing collaborative opportunities and joint ventures that will develop successful economic development models for Pakistani American communities.”
The population of Pakistani Americans in Georgia has been growing rapidly over the past few years. More than 15,000 people of Pakistan origin are estimated to be living across the state. The majority of them call the metro Atlanta their home, with many running successful businesses.
The Council’s founding member said Imran Niazi said: “It would be a missed opportunity if I didn’t use my position as a Gwinnett Chamber Board of Directors to support the Pakistani community with all the resources and opportunities.”
Farooq Mughal, board member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and member of the prestigious Georgia Chamber’s Government Affairs Council, said in a statement that the future strategic partnership between Georgia Chamber and Georgia-Pakistan Business Council, Inc. would play an important role to promote inclusive economic growth, recruiting new talent for, a diverse workforce, supporting small businesses, and educating Pakistani entrepreneurs. “Georgia and Pakistan’s bilateral trade relationship is integral to strong local economic growth. As a founding member of the Georgia-Pakistan Business Council, Inc. I am looking forward to supporting local entrepreneurs and small business owners.”
Nick Masino, President of Gwinnett Chamber, said: “I am looking forward to joint-partnership with the Georgia-Pakistan Business Council, Inc. Through our collaborative effort we will work to facilitate Pakistan trade delegations, support mutual growth, and job creation to ensure that Gwinnett and the State of Georgia is ideal location for Pakistani-owned businesses to thrive”.
The Council says its mission is to cultivate knowledge, connections, and collaboration to effect transformational social change and achieve sustainable economic impact through entrepreneurship. “Our goals are to provide members with training and education to cultivate business skills and to provide enhanced business opportunities. Also, to encourage a mentoring relationship between more established business owners and new business owners. GAPAKBC, INC. strives to create a better understanding of issues facing Pakistani American business owners,” it says.
In partnership with the Gwinnett County Government, Atlanta City Council, and Gwinnett Chamber business leaders, the new Georgia-Pakistan Business Council, Inc. will hold an introductory meeting next month in June and host a business delegation from Pakistan at the 1818 Club in Gwinnett County.