During his visit to Karachi, US Ambassador Donald Blome emphasized the importance of strong bilateral connections between Pakistan and the US, as well as powerful economic cooperation in bilateral commerce.
Ambassador Blome spoke with financial and commercial leaders, members of the American Business Council and the Pakistan Business Council, textile and energy executives, and business journalists during his visit, which began on Wednesday.
“I am delighted to be here in Karachi, a city brimming with vitality and diversity,” Ambassador Blome stated.
“I look forward to visiting Pakistan on a regular basis to strengthen US-Pakistan partnerships in trade, investment, education, energy, health, security, and other mutually beneficial priorities,” said the ambassador.
Ambassador Blome struck the opening gong at the Pakistan Stock Market (PSX) with PSX Chairperson Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Managing Director Farrukh Khan, and officials from U.S. corporations listed on the stock exchange.
“It is a pleasure to visit PSX for the gong ceremony,” Ambassador Blome said during the occasion. My visit exemplifies the United States’ robust economic engagement with Pakistan, as well as our desire to keep our connections strong.”
Ambassador Blome emphasised how the US and Pakistan can continue to work together to enable broad-based, equitable, and sustainable economic development in both countries during his talks with business executives, the American Business Council, and the Pakistan Business Council.
He also met with energy professionals to discuss how the US government, US corporations, and their local partners were assisting Pakistan’s energy supply growth. He then met with officials from the textile and garment industries to explore potential in one of the most important areas of US-Pakistan commerce.
“As the United States and Pakistan mark 75 years of friendship, I want our strong economic ties to be front and centre,” Ambassador Blome stated.
The Ambassador went on to say that bilateral trade reached approximately $9 billion in 2021, and that
“It’s a relationship that deserves to be highlighted, and it’s bigger and more important than ever.”
Pakistan’s biggest export market and one of its most important sources of foreign investment is the United States.
With around 80 U.S. enterprises directly employing over 120,000 Pakistanis, the United States and its local affiliates are among Pakistan’s major employers.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador said that after his credentials are properly presented, he plans to travel to Karachi to meet with government officials and lay a wreath at Mazar-e-Quaid in honour of Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who laid the cornerstone for the two countries’ alliance.