The Consul General of the United States in Karachi, Mark Stroh, visited northern Parts of Sindh from March 27 to 31.
According to a communique here on Friday, during his visit, Consul General Stroh met with the Sindh Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities, and Archives Abdul Rahim Soomro, Managing Director of Continental Biscuits Limited Hasan Ali Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Venus Group Adnan Asad, Chairman of the Group of Companies Muhammed Mubeen Jumani, industry leaders, women entrepreneurs, and journalists. The Consul General also visited the shrines at Odero Lal and Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in Matiari.
The Consul General led a delegation through Sukkur, Larkana, and Khairpur to strengthen many existing ties between the United States and Pakistan this year, celebrating 75 years of enduring bilateral relations.
One of the highlights of the Consul General’s visit was his discussion with women entrepreneurs from Sukkur and Larkana who took part in two U.S. Government-funded programs, Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and Qadam Barhao.
The entrepreneurs participating in the programs cited how the programs helped them launch and grow their businesses. They also discussed some of the challenges and opportunities women face in starting and running a business while also highlighting their desire to empower fellow women entrepreneurs.
While in Khairpur, Consul General Stroh announced the next round of applications for AWE is open until April 15, 2022.
“The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and Qadam Barhao are examples of the United States’ commitment to further develop women’s entrepreneurship, women’s financial inclusion, and women’s equality,” remarked Consul General Stroh.“Empowering women is a strategic investment in our communities, our countries, and the world.”
Reinforcing the United States’ long-term commitment to advancing education in Pakistan, Consul General Stroh toured Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU) and Sukkur IBA University.
His discussions with the respective universities’ leadership, SALU Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalil Ibupoto and Sukkur IBA Vice Chancellor Dr. Mir Muhammad Shah, underscored the importance both the United States and Pakistan place on higher education.
The strategic focus of U.S.-Pakistan university partnerships is to spur economic development by strengthening academic research and people-to-people exchanges, which create a more educated and skilled labor market.
