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The United States has reiterated its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Pakistan, with a focus on trade, business, and technology, during a week-long visit to Sindh by Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. The visit, held from January 25 to 31, included meetings with political leaders, business representatives, and local communities, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand bilateral ties.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, Baker’s visit aimed to promote shared priorities between Pakistan and the United States, particularly economic growth, regional stability, and the use of American expertise and innovation. The engagements reflected what the US Mission described as a continued focus on practical cooperation that supports jobs, industry, and long-term development.
Continental Biscuits Factory
During her time in Sukkur, the US envoy visited several industrial facilities, including the Continental Biscuits factory, which operates in partnership with US-based Mondelēz International. Speaking during the visit, Baker said the collaboration was a clear example of how Pakistan-US economic partnerships could create employment, encourage innovation, and support shared prosperity.
Visit to Industrial Units
In Mirpurkhas, Baker toured a sugar mill along with ethanol, carbon dioxide, and paper production facilities where US technology is being used to enhance efficiency and quality. She observed that such projects were helping reduce waste, increase value addition, and integrate Pakistani products into global supply chains. Baker also highlighted the importance of strong local manufacturing and dependable agricultural resources, especially those supported by the Indus River, for sustainable economic growth.
Visit to Sports Faculty
In Hyderabad, the envoy visited Niaz Stadium and spoke about the unifying power of sports. Referring to the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she said sports had the ability to bring people together across borders. The statement also noted that Hyderabad will be the home base of a new Pakistan Super League team, which will receive support from a US investor.
Meeting on Trade Relations
Meanwhile, as part of ongoing US Mission engagements, 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. The discussions focused on local governance and expanding fair trade relations.
McSharry also visited Sukkur IBA University, where he met faculty and students and reviewed the US-funded STEM Powered program, implemented in collaboration with Vanderbilt University. The initiative aims to equip young people with modern skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
