US diplomat terms economic ties important

Says Washington is committed to increasing two-way trade, investment

ISLAMABAD:

US Charge D'Affaires Natalie Baker has said that the economic relationship with Pakistan is important for the United States, which has continued to invest in the South Asian nation.

"We recognise Pakistan's enormous potential. It is one of the world's most populous countries, with a growing and dynamic young population," she remarked while speaking at the Fifth Pakistan-America Business Forum, organised by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

She mentioned that the US was Pakistan's largest export market globally as Pakistan sent around 16% of its total exports to the US each year. "Pakistan's exports to the US have grown substantially over the last decade. This is a testament to the robust economic relationship we share."

Similarly, she said, the US investors contributed enormously to Pakistan's economic development. Right now, over 80 US firms directly employ 120,000 Pakistanis and indirectly support the livelihoods of over a million Pakistani workers.

"These companies bring American values of openness, transparency, and responsible corporate citizenship. They also drive critical research and development and provide new opportunities to local communities."

Baker pointed out that in her engagements with Pakistan's youth, she was impressed by their ambitions, ideas, commitment to seeing a better and brighter future for their country.

That brighter future includes economic opportunities in technology, business, trade, climate resilience and security.

If Pakistan realises its potential in these areas for growth and development, the result will not only benefit the country, but also the region and the world, she stressed. "We want Pakistan and its citizens to succeed and become an economic powerhouse." Baker said the US mission in Pakistan was committed to increasing two-way trade and investment to help the country unlock the economic possibilities.

"My team works hard to connect US and Pakistani businesses, assist US investors in navigating the Pakistan market and advocate for business climate improvements," she said. "With senior leaders throughout the Pakistani government, we advocate for policies that will make it easier to invest and trade."