January 21, 2014
U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G. Olson visited Faisalabad today to highlight education, business, and agricultural partnerships between the United States and Pakistan. During his first visit to the city, Ambassador Olson met with Faisalabad District Coordinating Officer Noor Ul Amin Mengal and other leaders to discuss how the United States and Pakistan can work together to enhance educational exchanges, entrepreneurship, and advanced agricultural research that will increase food security in Punjab.
During his visit, Ambassador Olson inaugurated the new Lincoln Corner at Government College University Faisalabad. The Lincoln Corner will serve as an information center with materials about the United States, reference books, periodicals, media, and internet connectivity. “This Lincoln Corner represents a strong and growing partnership between the people of the United States and Pakistan,” said Ambassador Olson. “The resources here will create opportunities for an open dialogue between our cultures and build bridges of mutual understanding.”
Ambassador Olson highlighted opportunities for investment in American franchises by inaugurating Faisalabad’s first Hardee’s restaurant. During this event, he applauded entrepreneurship and investment that will create employment for Pakistanis.
Since 2003, the United States has had a strong partnership with the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, supporting a $12.4 million endowment for faculty development, agricultural sciences research, technology transfer, and product commercialization. Ambassador Olson discussed this partnership and other projects that enhance agricultural research and food security with university leadership.
