Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a productive meeting with US Ambassador Donald Blome at the Chief Minister’s Office, addressing a range of mutual interests, opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade and investment, agricultural collaboration, and the promotion of cooperation for historical building restoration. During their discussion, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the multifaceted nature of Pakistan-US relations. Under the agreement to establish a sister-state relationship between Punjab and California, the focus is on fostering trade and economic ties, with a particular interest in benefiting from California’s expertise in agriculture, especially seed development. The Chief Minister expressed a warm welcome for American support in restoring historical landmarks across Punjab.
In a cordial exchange, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended congratulations to Kirsten Hawkins, the newly appointed US Consul General in Lahore, and conveyed his best wishes for her tenure. US Ambassador Donald Blome reaffirmed his commitment to expanding economic relations between the United States and Pakistan, as well as fostering cooperation in other areas of mutual interest. He pledged to further strengthen ongoing collaborations with the Punjab government across various sectors.
U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome visited Lahore September 4-6 to promote U.S.-Pakistan trade and economic ties, broaden and deepen cooperation with the people and government of Punjab, and discuss the importance of protecting and respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. During his visit to PepsiCo’s FritoLay Snack plant and NetSol Technologies Ltd, Ambassador Blome and Consul General Hawkins reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to trade, investment, and development with and through the private sector in Punjab, a US Embassy statement said Wednesday.
Ambassador Blome highlighted the benefits of U.S. trade and investment and showcased the significant role U.S. companies play – creating jobs and giving back to local communities through corporate social responsibility initiatives that promote education, health, disaster relief, women’s empowerment, and skills development.
“Pakistan has tremendous economic potential. The United States is working every day to help Pakistan make progress on economic reformsthat will make it more competitive and better prepared to meet future challenges. That includes our cooperation to build more reliable energy systems, strengthen and improve infrastructure, increase capacity for regional trade, and ensure that Pakistanis have the skills and training needed to compete and succeed in the 21st century,” Ambassador Blome said. While in Lahore, Ambassador Blome and Consul General Hawkins also met with caretaker Punjab Chief Minister MohsinNaqvi. The leadersdiscussed opportunities to expand U.S.-Pakistan economic ties, the importance of protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of religious minorities, and respect for democracy and rule of law. The meeting also saw the participation of US Consul General Kristin Hawkins, Political and Economic Chief Nicholas Katsakis, Political and Economic Officer Douglas Johnston, Political Specialist Sadaf Saad, Provincial Minister of Information Amir Mir were present.
