US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome has expressed confidence in the incoming government’s ability to pull off the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme but cautioned that economic stability hinged on the economic policies over the next few months.
While speaking to a gathering of select journalists at the US Consulate General in Karachi, he said collaborating with the new government would be a top priority.
“And our belief is it will take a concerted effort to ensure it moves in the right direction. If Pakistan maintains a consistent commitment to economic reforms, those reforms will build certainty and confidence for investors and enable economic growth fuelled by sustainable, inclusive, and …. economic development,” the US diplomat said.
“We are confident Pakistan can do this and break free from an over-reliance on unsustainable debt,” he added.
“We want to see Pakistan succeed in attracting more trade and investment, especially US investment. The economic success of Pakistan and its people remains a top priority for us, and we will continue to partner with Pakistan through a wide range of avenues, including technical engagement, and development assistance, and continue to strengthen our trade and investment relationship,” he said.
He said real and lasting stability depended on governments and citizens finding a way to work together to expand opportunity and unlock the enormous talents of its people.
The US diplomat further noted that Pakistan was the largest export market and the US sees huge potential for increasing two-way trade and investment between our two countries, and it’s been a major priority for me as ambassador.
“More than 80 US companies operate in Pakistan right now, making the United States one of Pakistan’s leading investors. And we saw about $250 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the US alone in FY22.”
“US companies offer Pakistanis high-paying, 21st-century jobs, training, skill development, and labour protections, and many of these companies also give back generously to their local communities through a variety of corporate social responsibility programmes in which many – US companies are pioneers.
