U.S. Ambassador Natalie A. Baker Meets GTEC Chairman Mazhar Thathal for Trade Talks on SMEs

Islamabad – Natalie A. Baker, Acting Ambassador and Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, met with Mazhar Hussain Thathal, Chairman and CEO of the Global Trade Expo Centre (GTEC) Pakistan, in a focused trade dialogue involving a delegation of Pakistani SMEs.

Liaqat Thathal, Director of International Trade & Relationship at GTEC, highlighted the organization’s mission, stating, “We are committed to bridging the gap between Pakistani and American SME business communities. This future initiative will open new doors for SMEs on both sides, especially for women entrepreneurs and small industries from Pakistan.”

The meeting, also attended by U.S. Embassy Economic Officers, centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises, encouraging joint ventures, and promoting trade between Pakistan and the United States.

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A key outcome was the announcement of Pakistan’s SME delegation participating in the upcoming Pakistan-USA SMEs Trade & Business Delegation 2025. The group is set to attend the International Franchise Expo 2025 in New York. Organized by GTEC, the delegation will showcase Pakistani SMEs from diverse sectors including surgical instruments, healthcare, textiles, IT, food, and beauty products—aiming to foster cross-border business relationships and empower women entrepreneurs.