By Our Correspondent
KARACHI: U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome visited Karachi to further strengthen the robust economic partnership and bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United States. The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, the Chief Ministers of Sindh and Balochistan, the Administrator of Karachi, the Commander of Pakistan Navy Pakistan Fleet (COMPAK), as well as other government officials, business and financial leaders, trade and energy executives, and other business and commercial representatives were among those with whom Ambassador Blome met during his visit, according to a press release issued on Saturday. “I am glad to be back in Karachi, a financial and commercial hub with tremendous energy,” said Ambassador Blome. “This year marks the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Pakistan bilateral relations and I look forward to strengthening U.S.-Pakistan partnerships in trade, investment, clean energy, health, security, education, and other mutually beneficial priority areas.”
Ambassador Blome visited Port Qasim and met with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Faisal Subzwari. The Ambassador expressed interest in how the United States can work with Pakistan to develop more linkages with U.S. port and maritime institutions. In his discussions with the chief ministers of Sindh and Balochistan, respectively, Murad Ali Shah and Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, the ambassador spoke about political, economic, and security issues as well as the current relief efforts to deal with the unfortunate effects of the recent floods in both provinces. The United States is providing a new $1 million grant to strengthen the resilience of agricultural communities in Sindh Province and assist Pakistan’s disaster management authorities in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces to better respond to upcoming disasters, according to Ambassador Blome during his meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Shah.
Ambassador Blome and Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab discussed the impact of flooding and other challenges in the city, as well as opportunities for growth including in the information technology sector. The Ambassador reiterated the significance of the military ties between the United States and Pakistan as well as his desire to strengthen and broaden our ongoing security cooperation during his meeting with COMPAK Vice Admiral Ovais Bilgrami. They also discussed relief efforts in flood-affected areas. Imran Nasrullah, CEO of Cargill Pakistan, met with Ambassador Blome. The Ambassador also visited Excelerate’s floating storage and regasification facility in Port Qasim to highlight our shared desire for the LNG joint venture between Engro and Excelerate to flourish in Pakistan.He met other U.S and Pakistani business leaders to show his commitment to promoting U.S. business and investment in Pakistan through a wide range of effective services, products, and programs.
The U.S. government is dedicated to expanding the ties between the Pakistani and American people to promote a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for both our nations. Bilateral trade reached nearly $9 billion in 2021. The greatest single export market for Pakistan is the United States, which is also one of the largest sources of foreign investment. U.S. direct investment has increased by 50% in the last year. Approximately 80 U.S. corporations directly employ more than 125,000 Pakistanis, and another one million are indirectly employed by these companies and their local affiliates, making them among of Pakistan’s greatest employers. Up to $5.7 million was invested by American businesses in Pakistani CSR projects in 2021.
