US official highlights efforts for economic growth in Pakistan

Multan/LAHORE: US Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Andrew Schofer on Thursday highlighted US efforts to promote economic growth in Pakistan, and the role of US business in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

During his first visit to South Punjab, he said: “Pakistani mangoes are renowned worldwide, and this sector is crucial to the country’s economy and culture. The United States has supported the mango industry through provision of advanced graders for processing facilities across Punjab and Sindh,” he said during a visit to the Luftabad mango farm. “This support has helped improve technology, reduce labour costs, speed up shipment processes, meet international quality and hygiene standards and expand exports to international markets.”

A 2015-19 USAID project improved the international and national competitiveness of Pakistan’s commercial agriculture and livestock sectors in four product lines: meat, high value and off-season vegetables, mangoes and citrus fruits. The USAID support helped attract investment worth $80 million in the private sector, creating more than 12,000 full-time jobs.

Schofer also toured the Corteva Agriscience Research facility. He emphasized close cooperation through the US-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework to expand climate-smart agriculture, clean energy and effective water management. He said that across Pakistan, dozens of US companies employed about 120,000 Pakistanis and provided critical research and development capabilities.