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ISLAMABAD: A senior US diplomat has highlighted opportunities for American companies to invest in Pakistan’s critical minerals, information technology, agriculture and energy sectors, calling them key areas for growth and bilateral cooperation, the US Embassy said in a statement this week.

Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker made the remarks at a webinar hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) on Sept. 2, where US and Pakistani business leaders discussed the country’s evolving business environment.

In 2024, total US-Pakistan goods trade amounted to approximately $7.2 billion, with US exports to Pakistan valued at around $2.1 billion and imports at nearly $5.1 billion. On the foreign direct investment front, the United States remains one of Pakistan’s largest investors, with net US FDI inflows estimated at $227.7 million

“The opportunities are significant in critical minerals, ICT, agriculture, energy and infrastructure,” Baker said at the webinar, encouraging American companies to engage with the US Foreign Commercial Service team in Pakistan and pursue partnerships with local counterparts to build “profitable ventures” that could contribute to economic prosperity in both countries.

Baker also underlined Pakistan’s demographic and strategic advantages, noting its location, competitive labor force and vast consumer base. 

“This is the fifth-largest country in the world, home to 250 million people, with 64 percent of the population under the age of 30,” she said. 

“Pakistan’s GDP is about $412 billion, ranking 38th in the world, but Goldman Sachs projects it could reach $3.3 trillion by 2050, putting it among the top 10 to 15 economies globally.”

Her remarks came as Pakistan implements reforms under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund program approved in September 2024, focused on tax collection, energy sector restructuring and privatization of state-owned firms.

The measures have helped stabilize public finances, rebuild foreign exchange reserves and improve international credit ratings, with Fitch Ratings upgrading Pakistan’s outlook to positive in mid-2025. Officials say the steps are crucial for restoring investor confidence and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth in the South Asian nation. 

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet China’s Premier Li Qiang and the Minister of Information Technology and Industry Li Licheng today, Thursday, as he continues his six-day visit during which he will hold a string of meetings with Chinese political and business leaders.

Sharif started his visit to China over the weekend, where he attended a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and held talks with Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping.

He also witnessed a major Victory Day military parade in Tiananmen Square — China’s largest in years — held to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The display featured cutting-edge systems, including hypersonic missiles, sea drones and laser air defenses. The event was widely viewed as a show of Chinese military might, with a number of world leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, in attendance.

“Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will meet with His Excellency Premier Li Qiang of China today,” his office said in a statement while circulating his agenda for the day. “The Prime Minister will also hold talks with His Excellency Li Lie-cheng, China’s Minister of Information Technology and Industry.”

Pakistan considers China a major investor and regional ally.

Over the years, Beijing has emerged as Islamabad’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $25 billion in recent years, and Chinese companies have already invested heavily in power, transport, infrastructure and telecom projects across the country as part of the multi-billion-dollar China–Pakistan Economic Corridor project.

Sharif will also preside over the second edition of the Pakistan–China Business-to-Business Investment Conference in Beijing during the day. The meeting will review outcomes from the first conference held in Shenzhen in June 2024 and set a future roadmap.

A day earlier, Sharif also invited top Chinese business executives and companies to expand their investments in Pakistan, citing his government’s investor-friendly policies and the country’s push for sustainable economic growth.