American Ambassador Blome highlights Pak-US Business ties at American Business Forum Event
Growing economic ties between the U.S. and Pakistan are mutually beneficial: Blome
LAHORE: U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, delivered a powerful address at the American Business Forum (ABF) in Lahore on December 16, 2024, emphasizing the significant contributions of U.S. businesses to Pakistan’s economic development. The event, hosted by Vaseem and Shameelah, was attended by key members of the business community, underscoring the robust relationship between the United States and Pakistan.
Ambassador Blome opened his remarks by expressing his gratitude to the hosts and underscoring the positive economic impact U.S. companies have in Pakistan. He highlighted the recent improvement in Pakistan’s macroeconomic indicators, including a sharp decline in inflation, and expressed hope that Pakistan would continue on a positive trajectory, with support from key reforms under the current IMF program.
Blome acknowledged the important role that U.S. businesses play in Pakistan’s economy, noting that over 80 American companies directly employ 120,000 Pakistanis and indirectly support the livelihoods of more than a million workers. He further praised these companies for their significant investment in human capital, training Pakistanis for senior-level managerial and technical positions, and driving innovation through research and development.
A key focus of the speech was the promotion of women’s economic empowerment, with Ambassador Blome highlighting U.S. companies’ efforts to bring more women into the workforce. He pointed to successful initiatives such as PepsiCo’s work with women in Pakistan’s agricultural sector, made possible through collaboration with the U.S.-Pakistan Women’s Council.
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The Ambassador also lauded the corporate social responsibility initiatives led by U.S. companies, which are making a tangible difference in Pakistan’s communities. For example, he mentioned the U.S. partnership with Coca-Cola and the World Wildlife Fund on the Recharge Pakistan initiative, aimed at improving water management and preventing floods. He also acknowledged the ABF’s efforts in raising awareness about breast cancer in local communities.
Blome reinforced that the growing economic ties between the U.S. and Pakistan are mutually beneficial. The United States remains Pakistan’s largest export market, and over the past decade, Pakistan’s exports to the U.S. have more than doubled. Ambassador Blome emphasized that both countries will continue to work together to further boost trade and investment, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth.
Closing his remarks, the Ambassador reiterated the U.S. Mission’s commitment to supporting U.S. businesses in Pakistan and advocating for reforms to improve the ease of doing business. He also highlighted the importance of investing in Pakistan’s youth through education programs, helping them acquire the skills needed to contribute to their country’s continued economic development.
Ambassador Blome concluded by expressing his eagerness to engage with attendees throughout the evening, exploring ways to deepen partnerships and support a prosperous future for both Pakistan and the United States.
The event highlighted the vital role U.S. businesses play in fostering economic growth and strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
