KARACHI; U.S. Embassy Islamabad Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Natalie Baker concluded a four-day visit to Karachi, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to enhancing economic ties, boosting foreign investment, and supporting Pakistan’s recovery and development initiatives.
During her stay from September 23 to 26, Baker met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, with discussions focused on U.S.-Pakistan trade, investment opportunities, and ongoing flood recovery efforts.
She also interacted with leading business groups including Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Liberty Group, Gerry’s Group, and representatives of the Reko Diq mining project to explore cooperation in sectors such as technology, energy, critical minerals, textiles, manufacturing, packaging, and port development.
U.S. companies shared insights on innovations in textile production, particularly RFID and smart labeling technologies that could enhance efficiency in Pakistan’s export industries.
Baker also met with Liberty Group and Reko Diq’s new country manager to discuss support for Pakistan’s critical minerals sector, while her visit to Gerry’s Group emphasized the role of U.S. franchises in creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
In a significant security engagement, Baker joined senior Pakistan Navy officials to welcome the U.S. Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) at Karachi port. The port call underscored bilateral cooperation in maritime security and regional stability.
On the social front, Baker visited the KFC-sponsored Deaf Reach School in Karachi, commending the company’s corporate social responsibility programs. Since 2014, KFC has supported the deaf community in Pakistan by providing education, vocational training, and employment at specialized outlets, where more than 250 employees with hearing disabilities currently work.
“Strengthening our commercial partnership with Pakistan benefits both our peoples and fosters shared prosperity,” Baker said. She emphasized that over 80 American companies are operating in Pakistan, directly employing 120,000 people and indirectly supporting one million more.
“Together, we can ensure the next chapter of our partnership is one of mutual growth and opportunity,” she added.
Baker’s visit reinforced the United States’ broader goal of advancing its relationship with Pakistan through trade, investment, and security cooperation—seen as vital pillars for strengthening ties between the two nations.
