ISLAMABAD: United States Ambassador Donald Blome said Washington is committed to “deepening” its trade and economic partnership with Pakistan, a statement from the US embassy said on Wednesday.
Blome made these remarks during his three-day visit to Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi from Jan. 21-23, where he met Pakistani students, entrepreneurs and business leaders. The American ambassador, during his visit, held discussions on private sector-led sustainable economic growth and opportunities for bilateral trade and investment between Islamabad and Washington.
Once close allies during the Cold War and War on Terror in the early 2000s, trade and investment between Islamabad and Washington has been hampered since August 2021 when the Afghan Taliban seized power in Kabul. The US suspected Pakistan sheltered Taliban militants, a charge Islamabad has always denied. In 2022, ties between the two countries were further strained when Khan accused Washington of orchestrating his ouster from office through what he calls a “foreign conspiracy.” The US administration has repeatedly denied being involved in it.
“We are committed to broadening and deepening our trade and economic partnership with Pakistan, and to empowering the next generation of Pakistani business leaders,” Blome was quoted as saying by the US Embassy in Islamabad.
The embassy said Blome also met members of the Young Presidents’ Organization, a US-based worldwide leadership community of chief executives, in Karachi.
“The Ambassador welcomed the opportunity to exchange views on Pakistan’s investment and business climate and discuss prospects for economic reform,” the statement added.
He reaffirmed Washington’s support for start-ups and entrepreneurs through US-funded programs such as the “Academy for Women Entrepreneurs,” “Built By Her,” “Qadam Barhao,” and others, the embassy said.
The US envoy visited the National Incubation Center in Karachi where he conveyed his “strong support” for investors, innovators, and students working to promote innovation and job creation.
“He discussed the importance of collaboration between the United States and Pakistan – and the special role innovators and entrepreneurs play – in improving access to renewable energy resources and addressing the climate crisis,” the statement said.
