US envoy reaffirms economic cooperation with Pakistan during Sindh visit

Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Natalie Baker reaffirmed the United States (US) commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan in trade, business, and technology sectors, a statement read on Saturday.

The envoy concluded an official visit to Sindh province from January 25 to 31, during which she met with political leaders, business figures, and local representatives.

“The purpose of the visit was to advance shared Pakistan-US priorities through economic growth, regional stability, and the application of American innovation and expertise,” the statement said.

CDA Baker’s engagements reflected the US Mission’s continued commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Pakistan in the trade, business, and technology sectors.

In Sukkur, she visited major industrial facilities, including Continental Biscuits factory established in partnership with the US company Mondelēz International.

During the visit, Baker said, “What better example of PakistanUS economic partnership than working together to create jobs, foster innovation, and lay the foundation for shared prosperity”.

Emphasising this point, she noted that US companies and technologies were enhancing industrial performance across Pakistan and modernising and strengthening supply-chain systems.

She also visited a sugar mill, ethanol, carbon dioxide, and paper plant in Mirpurkhas, where advanced US technology and supply-chain systems are helping ensure quality production and access to US markets.

“This chemical plant reflects the growing Pakistan–US economic relationship, enabling reduced waste, improved value addition, and the integration of Pakistani products into international supply chains.” She said, adding strong local manufacturing and reliable agricultural resources—supported by the Indus River—were of “critical importance for sustainable economic growth in both countries”.

During her visit, Baker also paid her respects at the Bhutto family mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Larkana, and appreciated its historical and cultural significance.

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She also met with leaders of the Hindu community and discussed interfaith harmony and the protection of equal rights for all citizens.

The envoy visited Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad.

The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics demonstrated how sports could unite people across borders, she said.

Hyderabad is also the home base of a new Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket team, which will be supported in its formation and development by a US investor, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, as part of ongoing US Mission engagements, the US Consulate General Karachi’s Political and Economic Counselor, Peter McSharry, met with Sukkur Mayor Arsalan Islam Shaikh and Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah to discuss local governance and the expansion of fair trade relations.

He also visited Sukkur IBA University, where he met with faculty and students and reviewed the STEM Powered programme, funded by US assistance and implemented in collaboration with Vanderbilt University, which is playing an important role in equipping youth with modern skills for employment and entrepreneurship.