US wants trade, investment in Pakistan for mutual growth

ISLAMABAD: US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker has said her country is committed to supporting Pakistan’s success through trade, investment and innovation.

“Together, we can ensure the next chapter of our partnership is one of mutual growth and opportunity,” Baker said during a visit to Karachi, according to a statement from the embassy.

It added that the visit was meant to strengthen avenues for US-Pakistan cooperation in bilateral trade and foreign investment to deliver increased prosperity for both countries.

The US chargé d’affaires said strengthening the US commercial partnership with Pakistan benefited people of both countries and fostered shared prosperity.She emphasised that deeper economic cooperation created tangible benefits for Pakistanis.”To date over 80 US companies have invested in Pakistan, directly employing 120,000 Pakistani workers and indirectly supporting a million more workers. By working together, we can help Pakistani businesses reach their full potential, create opportunities for American businesses, and contribute to Pakistan’s economic development,” she said.

During the visit, Baker met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Tessori to discuss trade, investment and US support for ongoing flood recovery efforts.She also engaged with Karachi’s leading business groups, including Liberty Group, Gerry’s Group, Kentucky Fried Chicken and representatives of the Reko Diq mining project, to explore opportunities in technology, energy, minerals, textiles, manufacturing and port development.

Highlighting US innovation, Baker learned from textile exporters how RFID and smart labels are streamlining global supply chains.She also held discussions with Liberty Group and Reko Diq’s new country manager on advancing Pakistan’s critical minerals sector, while recognising US franchises like KFC and their role in supporting local entrepreneurship.

On the security front, Baker joined senior officers of the Pakistan Navy to welcome the USS Wayne E Meyer (DDG 108) at Karachi port.

The visit reaffirmed the US-Pakistan naval partnership and shared commitment to regional maritime security.Baker also went to the KFC-sponsored Deaf Reach School and commended US businesses for championing corporate social responsibility. She said since 2014, KFC had supported education and employment for Pakistan’s deaf community, employing more than 250 individuals with hearing disabilities.

The US Embassy said Baker’s engagements underscored the enduring US dedication to advancing the US-Pakistan relationship through practical collaboration in trade, bilateral investment and security, which were the pillars strengthening both nations.