The Foreign Office on Thursday expressed Pakistan’s desire to improve economic ties with the United States, a day after a delegation of investors led by Gentry Beach, US President Donald Trump’s close aide, met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Pakistan and the US have delicate and complex ties, shaped by shared security concerns and divergent strategic priorities.
In a press briefing today, FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said, “We want to further improve economic ties with the United States.”
Responding to queries, Shafqat termed members of the visiting delegation as “good businessmen”. He clarified that the visit was not organised through the FO, adding that businessmen touring Pakistan was a “routine” matter.
Shafqat said that further questions about the visit should be referred to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Beach told a press conference in Islamabad yesterday that Trump believed in economic diplomacy and that their ongoing visit to Pakistan was part of that effort.
He also said, “We plan on investing billions of dollars in Pakistan across several different areas, including critical minerals and real estate.”
Terming Pakistan “one of the biggest global opportunities”, the investor vowed to “build some of the most high-end and luxury properties ever seen in Pakistan”. He also mentioned energy, technology, artificial intelligence, and other areas that needed attention and investment.
During his meeting with Beach, PM Shehbaz had reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to facilitating foreign investors by ensuring a conducive business environment.
Responding to questions yesterday on statements made in favour of ex-premier Imran Khan by Trump’s special missions envoy Richard Grenell, Beach had assured the government that the US administration has nothing but respect for the incumbent leadership of Pakistan.
