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Events

2011

The Meeting between ABF EXCOM Members and Mr. Brian McCleary U.S. Commercial Counselor was held on 1st February 2012.

ABF Members were invited at the launch of Coca-Cola Icecek (CCI) by Mr. Rizwan Ullah Khan General Manager of Coca-Cola Export Corporation and Chairman Public Sector Liaison Committee at The Chameleon, Royal Palm Golf & Country Club on 31st January 2012.

ABF EXCOM Members attended a banquet hosted by Mr. Rizwan Ullah Khan General Manager of Coca-Cola Export Corporation and Chairman Public Sector Liaison Committee in honour of a team of U.S. Journalists from America at Hang Chan on 30th January 2012.

The Events Committee Meeting was held on 30th January 2012 to discuss the matter of 2nd Annual Dinner, meeting with commercial counselor and 11th General body meeting.

The 18th Executive Committee Meeting was held on 25th January 2012 at Hardees Restaurant. Disbursement of Flood Relief Fund, Dues of Members, Accounts Report, Audit matters and Annual Dinner 2012 were discussed in the meeting.

American Business Forum (ABF) has donated funds to Pak Pur Foundation for construction activities in Mir pur khas, flood affected area of Sindh on 23rd December 2011.

The 17th Executive Committee Meeting was held on 09th December 2011 at Coca-Cola Beverages Pakistan Office. Confirmation of Committee Chairpersons, Taxation Matters, Accounts Report and Business related Issues Faced by the Members were discussed in the meeting.

16th Executive Committee Meeting was held on 18th November 2011. Audit & Taxation Matters, Office Workers Compensation, Paperless Environment, Social Networking Sites, Accounts Report, Meeting with US AID Officials and Activity Calendar were discussed in the Meeting.

An OSAC meeting was held between The ABF and representative of OSAC to form a committee and nominations. The representative of OSAC consisted of Kirby W. Rosenbluth, Regional Security Officer, US Consulate General, Lahore, Mr. Dustin Wiltshire, Assistant Regional Security Officer, US Consulate General, Lahore, Mr. Hassan Raza Commercial Specialist, US Consulate General, Lahore, and Mr. Tayyab Salman, US Consulate General, Lahore.

A Business meeting was held between The ABF and representative of US AID to discuss Analysis and research work on the present state of the local economy of Pakistan. The representative of US AID consisted of Thomas Morris, Chief Economist USAID, US Embassy, Islamabad and Philippe Accilien, USAID Project Officer, US Consulate General, Lahore.

Finance Committee Meeting was arranged to discuss the matters of Taxation and Audit of ABF Accounts

A Business meeting was held on 25th October 2011, between The ABF and representative of US AID and American Consulate to discuss future ventures of U.S Investment in Pakistan. ABF Executive Committee consisted of President ABF Salim Ghauri, Ibrahim Qureshi, Senior Vice President, Vaseem Anwar, Vice President, Zahid Bashir, Vice President, Ms Ayesha M. Hamid, Honorary Secretary General, Afsar Mahmood, and Younus Kamran. The representative of US AID and American Consulate consisted of Ms. Nina Maria Fite, Consul General, U.S. Consulate General, Lahore, Mr. Andrew B. Sisson, Mission Director, USAID Pakistan, U.S. Embassy, Islamabad, Mr. Robert Hawkins, Economic Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Lahore, Mr. Ted Gher, US AID Director Punjab, Ms. Gale Spenser Democracy Officer and Mr. Robert Ewing, Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy, Islamabad.

The Extra-Ordinary -15th Executive Committee Meeting was held on 25th October, 2011. Annual Dinner, Update on US AID, Accounts Report, Events Gazette, Press Releases and Finance Committee Meeting for Audit & Tax Purpose were discussed in the meeting.

ABF AT THE GOVERNOR HOUSE LAHORE ON OCTOBER 19th, 2011

The American Business Forum (ABF) delegation called on the Honorable Governor Punjab Sardar Latif Khan Khosa on 19th October 2011 at the Governor House Lahore. President ABF Salim Ghauri briefed the Governor about the objectives of ABF and scope of its activities during the meeting. He also mentioned that the ABF has been playing active role for rehabilitation of Pakistanis facing natural calamities like earthquake and floods. The Governor Punjab appreciated the ABF initiatives and contribution of multinationals in Pakistan economy through job creation. He stressed the delegation to look into investment opportunities in energy sector of Pakistan. Meanwhile, issues relating to security situation and regional trade were also discussed during the meeting.

Members of the Events Committee, American Business Forum meet to discuss Annual Dinner and other activities of the Forum during 2011-12.

The 14th Executive Committee Meeting was held at Netsol Technologies Pakistan Office on 14-10-2011. Annual Dinner Details, ABF Diaries, Discuss Activity Calendar, Audit of Accounts, Creating additional funds possibilities were discussed in the Meeting.

The Meeting of ABF Members with US AID Team was held at Netsol Technologies Pakistan Office on 13th October 2011. Ms. Nina Fite (U.S Consul General), Ms. Diana Swain (Agriculture Specialist US AID), Mr. Ted Gher (US AID Director Punjab) and other U.S Officials Ms. Gale Spenser (Democracy Officer) and Mr. Hassan Raza (Commercial Specialist) attended the Meeting. The Basic purpose was to promote the US AID activities in Punjab

Mr. Salim Ghauri elected as new President of American Business Forum for next two years. He will serve as President ABF during the fiscal years 2011-13.

The ABF Executive Committee consists of:

1. Mr. Ibrahim Qureshi (Senior Vice President)
2. Mr. Vaseem Anvar (Vice President / Chairman US AID Committee)
3. Mr. Zahid Bashir (Vice President)
4. Ms Ayesha Hamid (Honorary Secretary General)
5. Mr. Naeem Shafique (Chairman Finance Committee)
6. Mr. Osman Khalid Waheed (Chairman Intellectual Property Rights)
7. Mr. Sohail Yousaf (Chairman Consumer Goods & Services)
8. Mr. Afsar Mahmood (Chairman Membership Committee)
9. Mr. Aamir Mahmood Mirza (Chairman OICCI / Chambers Committee)
10. Mr. John Seward (Chairman CSR Committee)

The 10th General Body Meeting was held at Fairways, Royal Palm Golf & Country Club on 05th October 2011. Announcement of Election Results, Announcement of Office Bearers and Accounts Report were discussed in the Meeting.

American Business Forum arranged OSAC Meeting on 05th October 2011 at Fairways, Royal Palm Golf & Country Club. The U.S. Consulate General, Lahore’s Regional Security Office and U.S. Commercial Service Departments planned to initiate U.S. Government Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Chapter in the Punjab province. The aim of OSAC chapter is to bring all US businesses on to a common platform to advise and disseminate security information and advisory protocols. U.S Ambassador Mr. Cameron P. Munter and U.S Consul General Ms. Nina Fite also attend the Meeting.

A Dinner was arranged on September, 21st 2011 at chameleon, Royal Palm Golf & Country Club for Ms. Nina Maria Fite U.S Consul General, whose purpose would be an informal meeting with US delegation to discuss prospects & hurdles of business in Pakistan for American companies.

A Dinner was arranged to Welcome to Ms. Nina Fite U.S Consul General Lahore and Farewell to Ms. Carmela Conroy at Fairways, Royal Palm Golf & Country Club on 19th September 2011.

The 9th General Body Meeting was held at Fairways, Royal Palm Golf & Country Club on 19th September 2011. Election Rules and Schedule, Resolution for Amendments in Article of Association and Appointment of Election Tribunal were discussed in the meeting.

The 13th Executive Committee Meeting was held at Netsol Technologies Pakistan Office on 26th August 2011. Election Rules and schedule, Resolution for Amendments in Article of Association, and Appointment of Election Tribunal were discussed in the meeting.

The 12th Executive Committee Meeting was held at Netsol Technologies Pakistan Office on 29th of July 2011. Following matters were discussed at the meeting: Election Rules and schedule, Articles for Newsletter, Monthly Dinner, Farewell to Ms. Carmela Conroy and Staff Salary and New Membership requests.

A Dinner for ABF Members & Guests was arranged at Royal Palm Country & Golf Club on 24th June 2011. The President, Mr. Rizwan U. Khan invited Ms. Carmela Conroy (U.S Counsel General Lahore) along with other U.S Officials, Govt. Officials & CEO’s from other business communities.

The Extra-Ordinary Executive Committee Meeting was held at Netsol Technologies Pakistan Office on 15th April 2011. Committee for Guests Speakers – Updates, USAID – Updates, Committee of CSR and Education – Updates, OICCI Committee – Updates and Annual Dinner Details were discussed in the Meeting.

The 10th Executive Committee Meeting of ABF was arranged at Netsol Technologies Pakistan Office on 08th April 2011. Membership Committee – Updates, Committee of Banking Matters – Updates, Committee for Guests Speakers – Updates, USAID – Updates, Committee of CSR and Education – Updates and Annual Dinner Details were discussed at the Meeting.

A Farewell Dinner was arranged for Ms. Jessica E. Berlow (Economic Officer) at Veranda Bistro on 22-03-2011. Ms. Carmela Conroy (U.S Counsel General) was also present at the Dinner.

The 9th Executive Committee Meeting was held at Netsol Technologies Pakistan Office on 27-01-2011. Banking Matters, New Membership Updates, Guest Speakers for Next AGM, ABF Diaries Updates, and Fund Raising Function Details were discussed at the Meeting.

2010

The 8th General Body Meeting of American Business Forum was held at Millat Tractor Office on 26-11-2010. The Following points were discussed: Audit Report, USAID MOU, US AID Committee Members, and OICCI Committee Members.

A Dinner was arranged to welcome The New Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Cameron P. Munter on November 06, 2010 at Royal Palm Golf & Country Club, Lahore. Ms. Carmela Conroy U.S Counsel General to Pakistan were also attended the dinner. CSR Projects for Flood, Law and Orders, IPR and Energy Crisis of Pakistan were discussed at the Event.

A Dinner was arranged at Cosa-Nostra to welcome Mr. John Simmons, Commercial Counselor for Pakistan & Afghanistan, U.S. Embassy, Islamabad. He was accompanied by Ms. Carmela Conroy, Ms. Caroline Dow, Ms. Jessica Berlow, Syed Aftab Qamar & Mr. Hassan Raza on 13th October 2010. Security Matters, Taxation Matters, Political Matters and Flood Relief Efforts were discussed at the Dinner.

8th Executive Committee Meeting was held at Expeditors International Office on 05th October 2010. The Agenda of the Meeting was update of the current economic situation' which will include the facilitation of flood efforts etc', Initiative for Clean drinking water in Flood affected areas by Ferozsons, Update of Meeting with US AID Official etc.

A Farewell HI-Tea was arranged for U.S Ambassador Anne W. Patterson at OPM The Food Club on 1st October 2010.

A meeting of US AID Committee Members was arranged at Coca-Cola export Corporation office on
31-08-2010 to welcome Ms. Caroline Dow and bid farewell to Mr. Richard C Jao.

The 7th General Body Meeting was held at Pepsi-Cola International office on 25-08-2010. The Agenda of the Meeting was “Flood Relief Efforts”.

A truck load of 600 Bags of edible items for 600 Families costing PKRS.16,86,880/- have been personally handed over to DCO Layyah, Mr. Javed Iqbal for flood effected areas in Layyah by ABF Coordinators Mr. Faisal Arslan and Mr. M. Afzal on 17th August 2010.

The 7th Executive Committee Meeting of American Business Forum was held at Coca-Cola Export Corporation Office on 5th August, 2010. The Agenda of the Meeting was, US AID – Update, Flood Relief Fund and New Membership Requests - Updates.

The 6th General Body Meeting of American Business Forum was held at FPCCI (The Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry) Regional Office Lahore Cantt on 30th June, 2010. The Agenda of the Meeting was, US AID signing MOU – Update, Confirmation of Accounts & Quarterly Accounts Report, Security Persons - Update and Adoption of Different Policies.

The 6th Executive Committee Meeting was held at Netsol Technologies Pakistan Office on 26-05-2010. The Agenda of the Meeting was USAID - Signing of MOU, Adoption of Different Policies and New Membership Requests.

A Meeting with US AID was arranged at Netsol Technologies Office on 26-05-2010

A tea party was organized by Ms. Carmela Conroy (Consul General) for ABF’s Executive Committee members at her residence

The first anniversary dinner of the American Business Forum (ABF) was held on 1st May at the Garrison Country and Golf Club. The President, Rizwan U. Khan along with Executive Committee Invited Anne Patterson (US Ambassador) as Chief Guest. Other VIPS included Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa, Salman Siddique, Carmela Conroy, Pervaiz Malik and Bryan D Hunt. Amongst others were guests from the media and government.

The 5th General Body Meeting was arranged at Chapter 1 Restaurant on 02-04-2010. The basic Agenda of Meeting was the Proposal that the Chairman of three committees to become members of Executive Committee, ABF to be an advisory / Monitoring / implementing body for U.S. AID, IGI Insurance presentation, Annual Function’s Discussions, Budget Proposals, Security matters and Audit Report.

A Dinner was arranged by ABF Executive Committee members for Robert Blake (Assistant secretary for the bureau of south and central Asian affairs) along with Matt Lowie (Special assistant Robert Blake), Carmela Conroy (Principal Officer, US Consulate) and the Consulates Ms. Nafeesah Allen, Mr. Richard Jao, Ms. Jessica Berlow on March 27, 2010 at Cokoo’ Den. Following matters were discussed at the dinner; Energy Sources, Security Issues, Industrial Sector Development, Potential on Natural Gas, Fuel Problems and Political Clashes. Mr. Robert Blake (Assistant secretary for the bureau of south and central Asian affairs) shows his committing to help ABF members in particular and Pakistan business community in general.

The Consul General of the Consulate General of the United States of American Ms. Carmela Conroy has invited the ABF Members for A movie Premier “The September Issue” on March 25, 2010 at her residence. The September Issue is a documentary film, produced by Sadia Shepard and Directed by the award wining R.J.Cutler, unraveling the making of the September Issue of Vague in 2007.

The 5th Executive Committee Meeting was held at Coca-Cola Export Corporation on 11th March, 2010. Agenda of the Meeting was, Proposal that the Chairman of three committees to become members of Executive Committee, ABF to be an advisory / implementing body for US AID registration process, Budget Proposals, Security , Annual Report. And Non-Payment of Subscription.

Lunch Meeting with the US Ambassador (Anne, W. Patterson). This was held at the US Consulate on 8th Feb. The following points were discussed:

a). FBR Agenda
b), Budget proposal
c). Liaison with US Consulate

Labard event with the US Ambassador (Anne, W. Patterson) on the recommendation of ABF, she donated US $ 200,000 for LABARD.

2009

ABF EXCOM was invited at the Governor House to meet US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

Lunch with Carmela Conroy (Principal Officer US Consulate, Lahore) & Paul Brinkley (Deputy Under Secretary for Business Transformation, U.S. Department of Defense)

Farewell Lunch in honor of Mr. Bryan D. Hunt, Principal Oficer, US Consulate, Lahore - July 9, 2009

Dinner with US Delegation at Cosa Nostra - May 25, 2009

ABF hosted a dinner honoring a visiting US delegation led by Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE), Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee. Also attending were Senator Mark Udall (D-CO), Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), Senate Armed Services Committee and Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), Senate Armed Services Committee.

The visitors were greatly impressed by the event and the presence of a significant number of ABF members. They expressed their appreciation of the initiatives taken by ABF to represent the interests of its member companies. ABF members made an excellent use of this opportunity to apprise the delegation of their concerns and problems. The visiting senator assured the members of their support to address their concerns.

For complete collection of pictures, please click here.

Inauguration of American Business Forum - 21 May, 2009

The groundbreaking event of American Business Forum was held at Pearl Continental Lahore. H.E. Anne W. Patterson, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan graced this occasion along with Federal Mister for Investment Senator Waqar Ahmed, Senior advisor to Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa and Bryan D Hunt, Principal Officer to US Consulate in Lahore. Leading businessmen, Government officials and media personalities also attended the ceremony. Talking about the launch of ABF, Ambassador said that the establishment of ABF is a positive signal and we welcome this initiative. ABF can play an important role in strengthening relations between Pakistan and US.

Speeches were followed by certificate distribution ceremony in which members were awarded membership certificates by the Chief Guest. As a token of thanks, H.E. Anne W. Patterson, H.E. Bryan Hunt and H.E. Iftikhar Khosa were presented beautiful plaques by the Executive Committee of American Business Forum. This was followed by an appetizing lunch which was enjoyed by the guests.

We would like to thank the ABF team and all our members for helping us in making this event a success.

For complete collection of pictures, please click here.

Lunch at Dumpukht, PC - May 20, 2009

To agenda was to inform and discuss the final inauguration arrangements with Bryan.

Meeting at NetSol Office - May 12, 2009

The objective of the meeting was to shape the last few pending things of the inauguration and assigning of the duties for follow up with the Government officials.

Sub Management Committee Meeting at Coca Cola Office - April 25, 2009

The main agenda was to finalize the proposed guest list of government officials and the event plan.

Sub Management Committee Meeting at NetSol Office - April 18, 2009

The objective was to finalize the goodie bags, banners, invite cards and the lunch menu.

Sub Management Committee Meeting at NetSol Office - April 10, 2009

The main agenda was to finalize the to-do list for the inauguration and proposals on the funding for the inauguration.

Meeting at Coca Cola office - April 03, 2009

The main agenda of the meeting was to finalize Budget and Management Committees, updating the members about the meeting with William Center, Inauguration management and discussion on ABF annual budget.

Meeting with William Center in Islamabad - March 26, 2009

The overall objective of the meeting was to facilitate dialogue with US Aid and to change American Perspective by initiating sustainable projects.

Basant - March 14, 2009

With the overall the atmosphere being gloomy and dismay, instability in the Government and long march in the planning, Governor Salman Taseer’s approval answered the prayers of enthusiastic Lahoris. Coca-Cola arranged basant night at Fort View Hotel. The assiduous efforts of the management team made it a fantastic night full of colors and fervor. The event was attended by many of our members and friends. It was a great pleasure to see many new and young faces who added energy to the whole event. While men were busy flying kites, women and children enjoyed eating gol pappas, dahi bhalays and Jalaybis. A sumptuous dinner was served which was enjoyed by all the guests. The event was also attended by Mr. Bryan Hunt who was dressed up very traditionally for the occasion. We would like to thank all who came and enjoyed these pleasant hours with us. For those who missed this event, we look forward to seeing you at our next event. If you would like to be a part of the planning or to become a contributing sponsor, please feel free to contact us at eram@abf.com.pk

Objective Setting Meeting - February 17, 2009

All members meeting was held in Gymkhana Club. We were honored to have Mr. Bryan Hunt as our chief guest and would like to thank him for his valuable support to American Business Forum. Guests were seated around 4:30 pm and Forum President Mr. Rizwan welcomed all the guests with opening remarks. The main agenda of the meeting was ABF inauguration and finances review. The attendance was great and we enrolled a few members as well. Participants had an opportunity to interact with each other and exchange their view points. Valuable suggestions were proposed for the improvement of the Forum.

After the meeting, tea was served which was enjoyed by everyone.

Dinner with Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan - Federal Minister for Investment

Federal Minister for Investment, Senator Waqar invited the members of ABF. The objective was to apprise the minister about the problems of the members' vis-à-vis Government departments and to explain him the future investment program of American Companies. Minister assured that he is available to the members anytime to resolve their problems.