US envoy pledges strong economic ties in Karachi visit

KARACHI:

US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker said Washington remained committed to supporting Pakistan's success through trade, investment and innovation, stressing that deeper bilateral economic cooperation would deliver tangible benefits for both countries.

Baker visited Karachi from September 23-26 to strengthen US-Pakistan ties in trade and investment, according to a press release issued by the US embassy.

"Strengthening our commercial partnership with Pakistan benefits both our peoples and helps foster shared prosperity," she said during meetings with political leaders, business executives and government officials. "Together, we can ensure the next chapter of our partnership is one of mutual growth and opportunity."

She noted that more than 80 American companies operate in Pakistan, directly employing 120,000 workers and indirectly supporting a million more. "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 added.

During the visit, Baker met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Tessori to discuss trade, investment and flood recovery, including the impact of recent US contributions.

She also held discussions with business leaders, including executives from Kentucky Fried Chicken, Liberty Group, Gerry's Group, and the Reko Diq mining project, exploring opportunities in technology, energy, critical minerals, manufacturing, textiles, packaging and ports.

Baker was briefed by US textile businesses on innovations such as RFID (radio-frequency identification) and smart labels, which are being used to improve supply chain management and could help streamline Pakistan's export industries, the statement said.

She also met Liberty Group officials and Reko Diq's new country manager to discuss US support for Pakistan's critical minerals sector. At Gerry's Group, she highlighted the contributions of American franchises in Pakistan and discussed opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

In another engagement, Baker joined senior officials of the Pakistan Navy to welcome the USS Wayne E Meyer, an Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer, to Karachi port.