23/07/2025
The lines between business and diplomacy have blurred in recent years, with corporate leaders now stepping into roles that once belonged solely to diplomats. What does it mean for a Pakistani businessman today to be part of this evolving trend? Let's dive in.
The term “Businessman-Diplomat” was first coined in 1959 to describe Norman Kenneth Winston, a real estate giant who represented U.S. interests during the Cold War. Since then, the blending of business and diplomacy has only increased, especially with globalization.
As businesses go global, leaders are expected to build ties with foreign governments. Companies today are often bigger than nations in terms of economic power, pushing their CEOs to engage diplomatically for expansion and survival on the world stage.
For example, Apple's Tim Cook navigates regulations in multiple countries – the US, Taiwan, India – ensuring Apple's operations are smoothly aligned across borders. It's no longer just about making products; it's about managing international relations.
Corporate Pakistan, following a rough 2022, is seeing a shift. The state is seeking foreign investment, and Pakistan's business community is stepping up. Leaders are now proactively pushing Pakistan’s interests internationally, showing confidence on the global stage.
Engro’s Hussain Dawood exemplifies this shift. At the World Economic Forum in China, he represented Pakistan in high-level talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This is the kind of business diplomacy that is positioning Pakistan as a player in global entrepreneurship.
This isn't an isolated event. In 2023, major Pakistani corporate leaders traveled to Washington, DC, to engage with U.S. officials. The delegation, including figures from HBL, Engro, and Unilever, worked on establishing ties with international financial institutions.
Another recent example: a delegation from Pakistan visited Saudi Arabia to explore investment opportunities. Key figures like Arif Habib and Shahid Soorty were there, showing that Pakistani businessmen are stepping up as soft diplomats, building bridges with foreign governments.
Leaders like Asif Peer of Systems Limited are also showcasing Pakistan’s potential on the world stage. Under his leadership, the company has expanded globally, earning recognition and establishing Pakistan as a credible tech services hub.
These efforts, however, can’t happen in isolation. Corporate Pakistan needs consistent support from the government. While businesses push for more global engagement, they also need stable policies from the state to make their diplomatic endeavors successful.
As Pakistan looks to boost exports, key industries like textiles and agriculture will need direct diplomatic channels with major markets. Business diplomacy is key in overcoming the regulatory hurdles that block smooth trade routes with the U.S., Gulf, and EU.
This is a pivotal time for Corporate Pakistan. The emerging trend of businessman-diplomats could be the key to Pakistan’s global presence.
To read more on how business leaders are becoming the new face of diplomacy, click here: https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/07/21/the-growing-corp-of-the-pakistani-businessman-diplomat/
