Islamabad : US Acting Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker has affirmed the United States' commitment to long-term cooperation with Pakistan, aiming to integrate the country's mining sector with industrial growth, technology transfer, and sustainable economic development.
Ambassador Baker expressed these views during a visit to the headquarters of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) in Islamabad, where she was welcomed by Acting Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmed and senior officials. During her visit, Baker toured the NAVTTC Center of Excellence and received briefings on industry-linked training models, international certification programs, and initiatives designed to align Pakistani youth with global employment opportunities.
According to Baker, cooperation in Pakistan’s mining and industrial workforce sectors is entering a new phase following a recent visit by experts from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. She noted that this partnership extends beyond mineral extraction to focus heavily on skills development, advanced technology, safety systems, and institutional capacity building.
Highlighting Pakistan's vast potential in copper, gold, critical minerals, and rare earth resources, Baker emphasized that collaborative efforts in workforce development and industrial capacity building would significantly strengthen bilateral economic and technical relations.
NAVTTC Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmed stated that Pakistan’s future competitiveness relies on effectively connecting vocational skills with industry, technology, and international markets. She noted that workforce-based partnerships are emerging as vital strategic alliances and expressed Pakistan's desire for its skilled workforce to benefit from advanced American expertise.
