US Envoy Highlights Strong Economic Ties with Pakistan

SIALKOT (News Desk) – US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker has highlighted the strength and future potential of the US-Pakistan economic partnership during her visit to Sialkot, praising the city’s dynamic business community and its role in driving export-led growth.

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, Baker emphasized the depth of bilateral trade ties, noting that trade between the United States and Pakistan is projected to exceed $8 billion in 2025. She said the expansion reflects a strong foundation for a fair and balanced trade relationship that benefits both countries. Baker noted that for more than two decades, the United States has remained Pakistan’s largest export destination and a major source of foreign investment.

During her visit, the US envoy toured leading sporting goods manufacturers including Forward Sports, First American Corporation Limited (FAC), and CA Sports, as well as Sialkot International Airport, and held meetings with the leadership of AirSial. The engagements highlighted the importance of US-Pakistan collaboration in global supply chains, job creation and trade-driven economic development. Nearly 70 percent of FAC’s exports are destined for the US market, underlining strong American consumer demand for Pakistani products.

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Baker said the United States is committed to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and technology transfer to help create jobs and uplift communities in both countries. She added that the visit coincided with the US marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, describing it as an opportunity to look ahead toward deeper cooperation in commerce, innovation and global engagement.

She also noted that as the United States prepares to host several major international sporting events under what she termed the “American Decade of Sports,” partnerships with cities like Sialkot would continue to strengthen people-to-people ties, cultural exchange and business collaboration.

Reaffirming Washington’s long-standing engagement, Baker said the United States remains deeply invested in Pakistan and its people, building on a partnership that has evolved since Pakistan’s independence through trade, education, innovation and cultural connections.