Latest news with #ScottUrbom


Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
US CG tours Hyd, Jamshoro
The US Consul General Scott Urbom engaged with local officials, academic leaders, youth, journalists, and members of the business community during an official visit to Hyderabad and Jamshoro from August 11-12. During his visit, Urbom toured the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET). Urbom praised USPCAS-W as a model of sustainable US-Pakistan cooperation, highlighting initiatives like training municipal staff in Jacobabad on solid waste segregation, recycling, and composting. Urbom met with executives from Al Fateh Oil Industries, which imports American soybeans to produce animal feed and cooking oil. Consul General Urbom attended the Sports Day celebration of the English Access Scholarship Program at Peoples School Jamshoro. Urbom also visited the National Incubation Center, where he participated in a US Lincoln Corner-hosted event "Meet the US Diplomats." US diplomats Tyrell Walker and Reva Gupta joined Urbom to interact with young leaders.


Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
US consul general highlights Pakistan-US ties
US Consul General Scott Urbom underscored shared priorities between Pakistan and the United States in academic excellence, innovation, and mutual prosperity, a statement said on Wednesday. The development comes as the consul general completed an official visit to Hyderabad and Jamshoro, where he engaged with local officials, academic leaders, youth, journalists, and members of the business community. During his visit, Urbom toured the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET). In 2014, the US government, through USAID, invested $12 million to establish the USPCAS-W at MUET Jamshoro and $10 million to partner with the University of Utah to enhance MUET's capacity. The center leads efforts to address Pakistan's critical water challenges by conducting applied research, developing community solutions, building public partnerships, and strengthening capacity. Recently, USPCAS-W contributed to the US-funded Water Governance for Sindh Activity, which strengthens municipal and provincial water management, improves water and sanitation services, and promotes sustainable environmental practices in Sindh. The USPCAS-W also awarded 250 scholarships, including 87 for women, for master's and doctoral degrees. Urbom praised USPCAS-W as a model of sustainable US-Pakistan cooperation, highlighting initiatives like training municipal staff in Jacobabad on solid waste segregation, recycling, and composting. The center equips future generations to tackle water and environmental challenges by transferring skills and connecting Pakistani academics, government officials, and community leaders with US-supported experts. Urbom met with executives from Al Fateh Oil Industries, which imports American soybeans to produce animal feed and cooking oil. Poultry feed manufacturers at the meeting shared their preference for American soybeans, citing their higher nutritional quality. They explained that this quality feed reduces poultry production costs, making chicken and eggs more affordable in Pakistan while improving their nutritional value for consumers. Consul General Urbom attended the Sports Day celebration of the English Access Scholarship Programme at Peoples School Jamshoro. The US government's Access Program helps Pakistani youth strengthen their English proficiency and leadership skills through cultural exchange and community activities.


Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
US CG plays taekwondo with Jamshoro students
The US Consul General Scott Urbom recently visited the People's School Jamshoro to interact with students of the English Access Micro-Scholarship Programme. During the visit, Consul General Scott Urbom, taught the students some basic taekwondo moves and played a friendly cricket match with them. The English Access Programme is a two-year initiative that aims to empower Pakistani youth through cultural exchange and community activities. The programme is funded by the US government and has been well-received by students and teachers alike. During the visit, the Consul General praised the students' performance and engaged in a discussion with them on their English language skills. Although he attempted to learn some cricket moves from the students, he was quick to get out in the first ball. However, an expert in Taekwondo, Urbom taught the students some powerful moves. The friendly cricket match between the Consul General and the students ended with the Green Team successfully achieving a target of 5 wickets.


Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
US investors eye Pakistan's port sector
Listen to article Over 65 US companies joined a webinar hosted by the US Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration and the US Department of State, in collaboration with Pakistan's Ministry of Maritime Affairs, to explore commercial opportunities at Karachi Port and Port Qasim. The session, part of the "Gateways to Growth: South Asia Port Opportunities" series, served as a strategic platform for American companies to engage directly with Pakistani port officials and private operators. Senior representatives from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs; Port Qasim Authority; Abu Dhabi Ports, which operates Karachi Gateway Terminal Ltd; and Dubai Ports World, which operates Qasim International Container Terminal outlined Pakistan's infrastructure goals, regulatory landscape and trade priorities. "US investors have made substantial contributions to Pakistan's development and we are confident that the port sector will be another area where we can achieve great success together," said US Consul General Scott Urbom, while emphasising the role of partnership in fostering long-term commercial ties. "We believe that by working together, we can unlock the full potential of Pakistan's port sector, create new opportunities for American businesses and contribute to Pakistan's economic development," he said. The hybrid session highlighted how American firms could support Pakistan's port development plans, help expedite trade flows and build new supply chain linkages between the two countries. US International Development Finance Corporation's Director of ICT and Infrastructure Policy Ean Hundley noted, "This initiative equips US companies with market intelligence and direct access to local decision-makers, enabling them to capitalise on infrastructure opportunities across South Asia."


Express Tribune
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
US CG Urbom all for empowering squash players
US Consul General in Karachi Scott Urbom has said that there is no dearth of talent in Pakistan, it is hoped that a great player like Jahangir Khan will be born again. He was present at the prize distribution ceremony of the National Junior and Women's Squash Championship as the Chief Guest and spoke to the media at the occassion. The event was organized by the Sindh Squash Association at the PSF Jahangir Khan Squash Complex in collaboration with the Pakistan American Business Council. Urbom added that it is an honour for the United States to host the 2028 Olympics and see the return of cricket to the Olympics after 138 years. He also is welcomed the induction of squash in the games program and expressed joy that squash will be promoted by its inclusion in the Olympics. He emphasised on the role of sports in empowering women. "There is no dearth of talented and qualified men and women in Pakistan, it is welcome to organize squash competitions to encourage emerging players with the support of the Pakistan American Business Council, squash legend Jahangir Khan made history by accomplishing great feats.," the US Consul General said. "It is an honor for the United States to host the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. It is a matter of pride that after the Paris Olympics 1900, cricket has now been included in the next Olympics. Making squash a part of the Olympic competitions will promote this sport. Sports play an important role in women's empowerment. My daughters also expressed their abilities and talents by playing football, wrestling and rugby. It is hoped that the process of development in squash in Pakistan will continue. Pakistan is gradually trying to regain its lost position in squash. The World Under-23 Squash Championship held in Karachi was also a link in this series." Squash legend Jahangir Khan also expressed his views, "I try to guide emerging players in the best way he could. The Sindh Squash Association is also organizing quality competitions. Its academies provide good and best facilities to the players. The training is ongoing, the players should also take advantage of these facilities and work hard for good results. The sponsorship of institutions like McDonald's for the promotion of sports, especially squash, is a commendable act." On the other hand, Sindh Squash Association President Asad Adnan said that with the support of the American Business Council and the Sindh government is providing free education and training at the academy. "Good results have started to emerge. McDonald's is providing full support and assistance as the main sponsor. After Karachi, steps will be taken to promote squash in Hyderabad and Sukkur," he added. Similarly, former national champion Sadia Gul, who made her name in the women's event, said that she is very happy to step on the squash court after four years and win the title. In the future, she will try to make Pakistan famous by participating in national and international events. McDonald's COO Jamil Mughal said that they will continue to play their national role in the promotion of sports and other positive activities.