ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker has underscored the depth of bilateral commercial relationship, highlighting the growing momentum in trade ties between the two countries.
“Expanding trade reflects a strong foundation that highlights the positive impact of US economic engagement in Pakistan and globally. The US and Pakistan are pursuing a fair and balanced trade relationship that creates prosperity for both our nations,” Baker told a luncheon hosted by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce during her visit to the wealthy manufacturing Punjab city.
She praised the Sialkot city’s vibrant business community and underscored the potential for even stronger bilateral US-Pakistan trade and investment to increase mutual prosperity.
The US chargé d’affaires said the US-Pakistan trade was projected to surpass $8 billion in 2025.
She said for more than two decades, the US had been Pakistan’s largest export market and a leading investor, presenting significant opportunities for expanded trade and shared prosperity.
She also visited Forward Sports, First American Corporation Limited and CA Sports, globally recognised leaders in Sialkot’s sporting goods industry, toured the Sialkot International Airport and met with airline AirSial’s leadership, according to a statement from the US Embassy.
Baker said those engagements underscored the importance of US-Pakistan collaboration in global supply chains, job creation and trade-led economic development.
She said nearly 70 per cent of FAC’s exports were to the United States, highlighting the strength of American markets and consumer demand.
“We are committed to bringing the best of American technology, innovation and entrepreneurship to help create jobs and uplift communities in both our countries,” she said.
The visit coincided with the US celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“It is not just a reflection on the past; it’s a launchpad for the future and leadership in innovation, commerce and global engagement. As the United States celebrates the ‘American Decade of Sports’ as host of several major upcoming global sporting events, the country continues to strengthen partnerships that connect people, markets and cultures through sports and business,” she said.
Baker said the US remained deeply invested in Pakistan and its people, building on a partnership that dated back to Pakistan’s independence and continued to grow through trade, innovation, education and cultural exchange.
Meanwhile, she highlighted the strength of US-Pakistan economic partnership and the vast potential for expanding trade and investment, during her visit to Sialkot, a major industrial and export hub of the country.
Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms Baker praised the city’s dynamic business community and said stronger commercial ties between the two countries could help increase shared prosperity. She noted that trade between the United States and Pakistan is projected to exceed $8 billion in 2025, reflecting what she described as a solid and growing economic relationship.
“The United States remains deeply invested in Pakistan and its people,” she said, adding that the partnership between the two countries dates back to Pakistan’s independence and continues to grow through trade, innovation, education and cultural exchange.
