KARACHI, September 27, 2025 — The United States has reiterated its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Pakistan, with Washington’s top diplomat in Islamabad emphasizing trade, investment, and innovation as cornerstones of the relationship.
US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker visited Karachi from September 23 to 26, where she met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Governor Kamran Tessori, business leaders, and naval officials. Her trip focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment while underscoring the shared benefits of deeper commercial ties.
“Strengthening our commercial partnership with Pakistan benefits both our peoples and helps foster shared prosperity,” Baker said, highlighting Washington’s vision of “mutual growth and opportunity” in the next chapter of US-Pakistan relations.
Baker pointed out that more than 80 American companies currently operate in Pakistan, directly employing around 120,000 people and supporting nearly a million others indirectly. “By working together, we can help Pakistani businesses reach their full potential while creating new opportunities for American investors and entrepreneurs,” she added.
During her meetings, Baker discussed trade and post-flood recovery efforts with provincial leaders, while also engaging with executives from key sectors such as textiles, energy, mining, logistics, and manufacturing. She explored opportunities in technology and critical minerals, including discussions with Liberty Group officials and the newly appointed country manager of the Reko Diq mining project.
At Gerry’s Group, she recognized the role of American franchises like KFC in Pakistan’s economy and encouraged local entrepreneurs to capitalize on future opportunities. US textile firms also briefed her on innovations like RFID and smart labeling, which could streamline Pakistan’s export supply chains.
In a symbolic engagement, Baker joined senior Pakistan Navy officials at Karachi port to welcome the USS Wayne E. Meyer, an Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer, underscoring defense cooperation as part of the broader US-Pakistan relationship.
Her visit, coming at a time of global economic shifts, reinforced Washington’s message that strong bilateral ties remain central to Pakistan’s development and regional stability.
