KARACHI: U.S. Ambassador Donald Blom visited Karachi (10-12 August) to further strengthen the strong economic partnership and bilateral trade between Pakistan and the US.
During his visit, Ambassador Blome met with federal minister for Maritime affairs, chief ministers of Balochistan and Sindh, Administrator of Karachi, Commander of Pakistan Navy Pakistan Navy (COMPAK), government officials, financial as well as business leaders, trade energy managers and others business and commercial representatives.
“I’m glad to be back in Karachi, and financial and commercial center with great energy,” Ambassador Blome said.
“This year celebrates 75th anniversary of US-Pakistan Bilateral Relations and I’m Watching forward to strengthen the US-Pakistan partnership in tradeinvestment, clean energy, health, security, education and other mutually beneficial priority areas.
Ambassador Blome visited Port Qasim and met with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Faisal Subzvari. The Ambassador expressed interest in how the United States may work with Pakistan for development more connections with United States Port and Maritime Institutions. During meetings with Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Blome discussed political, economic and security issues, as well as ongoing relief efforts to address the tragic aftermath. of recent floods in both provinces.
At his meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Shah, Ambassador Blome announced USA provide new US$1 million grant build sustainability of agricultural communities in province of Sindh and support Pakistan Disaster Management Authority in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan to better respond to future disasters.
Ambassador Blome and Karachi administrator Murtaza Wahab discussed the implications of flooding and more challenges in in the city and opportunities for growth including in Sector of information technologies. During the meeting with COMPAK Vice Admiral Owais Bilgrami and the US Ambassador continued their discussion of the relief effort. in flood-affected areas and confirmed the importance of USA-Pakistan military relationship and a desire to strengthen and expand our ongoing security cooperation.
Blome met with Executive Director of Cargill Pakistan Imran Nasrullah. ambassador also visited the Excelerate floating storage and regasification facility at Qasim Port to highlight our mutual interest in see Engro and Excelerate LNG joint venture venture succeed in Pakistan. He met other American and Pakistani business leaders show his commitment to advancing the US business and investments in Pakistan across the wide range of effective services, products and programs.
United States government dedicated to expanding ties between Pakistani and American people promote more stable, secure and prosperous future for both of our nations. bilateral trade reached nearly $9 billion in 2021. The United States is Pakistan’s largest export country. market as well as one of the biggest sources of foreign investment, with US direct investment up 50% percent in in past year. American companies and their local affiliates are among the largest employers in Pakistan. with about 80 American companies directly usage more over 125,000 Pakistanis and more how one million indirectly employed Pakistanis. In 2021, American firms invested up up to $5.7 million in corporate social responsibility initiatives in Pakistan.
One of in highlights of Ambassador Blome time in Karachi was visiting Lincoln Corner Karachi at the Liaquat Memorial Library where he opened the StartUp Lab along with with minister of Sindh for Education, Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives, Syed Sardar Ali Shah.
«Startup Laboratory unique and one-of-grade space in Pakistan, where start-up entrepreneurs with idea for startup business can turn ideas into reality using in latest technology as well as equipment for free of charge,” said Ambassador Blome.
” people-to-people ties between the United States and Pakistan are one of our greatest strengths. We are proud to partner with department of culture of Sindh in ensure young Pakistanis are ready face 21st century challengesAmbassador Blome said.
Lincoln Corner Karachi one of eighteen in US Mission in Pakistan network of American spaces across the country that offer free educational and cultural programs as well as technology as well as information resources to young leaders of Pakistan.
Ambassador Blome also visited Frere Hall in Karachi to appreciate its architecture and murals. There he was given a tour by representatives of Sindh Exploration and Adventure Society (SEAS), Dr. Asma Ibrahim and Dr. Kalimullah Lashari. CEAS received in 2021 grant from the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Service (AFCP) for parts repair of Frere Hall. This AFCP project once again demonstrates our respect for Rich cultural heritage of Pakistan.
AT celebration of National Minority Day of Pakistan, Ambassador honored to meet with religious minority community leaders in Karachi to promote interfaith cooperation, religious tolerance and diversity.
He also visited the mausoleum of founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and wreath-laying ceremony in honour of base father of Pakistan ahead of 75th Independence Day of Pakistan.
“It great an honor to be here at Mazar-i-Quaid to pay homage and commemorate heritage of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. United States shares Vision of Quaid-i-Azam of united pakistan in the world with themselves and their neighbors, Pakistan of religious tolerance, economic prosperity and social inclusion,” said Ambassador Blome.
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