ISLAMABAD: The newly appointed US charge d’affaires, Ms Natalie A. Baker, met with Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal on Wednesday to discuss ways to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and explore potential prospects for collaboration between the two countries.

Ms Natalie assumed the position of the US Embassy in Islamabad upon the return of US Ambassador Donald Blome, who was appointed ambassador to Pakistan in April 2022.

An official announcement after the meeting said that the commerce minister congratulated Ms Baker and the US government on the smooth transition of power in the United States and expressed optimism about further enhancing bilateral relations in the coming years.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening mutual trade and fostering collaboration in key economic sectors.

The discussions centred on expanding cooperation in agriculture, focusing on value-added textiles and agricultural products, and exploring growth opportunities in the cotton industry. They also identified potential investment areas, including minerals, marine industries, textiles, and renewable energy, added the announcement.

Meanwhile, a Pakistan Chemicals Manufacturers Association (PCMA) delegation, led by chairman Haroon Ali Khan, met the commerce minister to discuss key industry concerns.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2025