ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting the uplift of Balochistan province in all fields during his visit to Gwadar, a crown jewel of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), on Tuesday.
The purpose of the visit, he stated, was to explore opportunities to enhance development, trade, and commercial ties, building on the successful outcomes that have strengthened the robust US-Pakistan bilateral relationship.
According to a press release, in response to last year’s devastating floods, the United States extended assistance to 661,000 individuals, providing both food and critical cash support. Additionally, nearly 90,000 children received nourishing meals to combat the threat of starvation.
Over the past year, with US support, 41 health facilities in the region underwent successful renovations. In the field of education, US backing is bolstering programs at BUITEMS and Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University while also empowering youth by developing literacy and educational materials in Balochi and various local languages.
During his visit, Ambassador Blome engaged in productive discussions with political leaders, representatives from the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce, and a diverse group of government and private sector leaders.
In meetings with political leaders, the Ambassador reiterated US support for Balochistan’s development, touching upon topics such as economic growth, disaster relief and preparedness, security, the advantages of US trade and investment, and measures Pakistan can take to improve its investment climate.
US Investment in Various Sectors
Ambassador Blome’s discussions with members of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce focused on strategies to boost US trade and investment in various sectors, including business, logistics, tourism, fisheries, and the blue economy. The group emphasized how fostering these business-to-business relationships can contribute to inclusive growth led by Pakistan, creating employment opportunities across Balochistan. They also explored ways to enhance technical skills in the region and promote bilateral trade.
In meetings with government and business leaders, Ambassador Blome delved into the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework, aimed at jointly addressing climate, energy, water, and economic needs.
“Washington are committed to supporting Balochistan and all of Pakistan as they strengthen climate resilience, pursue energy transformation, and foster inclusive economic growth,” Envoy said.
Under the Green Alliance, U.S. assistance has aided over 12,000 farmers, including many in Balochistan, across 2,000 hectares in increasing yields and reducing harvest and post-harvest losses through improved technology and management practices.
Ambassador Blome also paid a visit to Gwadar Port, where he met with Port Authority Chairman Pasand Khan Buledi to gain insights into port operations and development plans. They discussed Gwadar’s potential as a regional trans-shipment hub and explored ways to connect with Pakistan’s largest export market, the United States.
During a meeting with Pakistan Naval West Command, Ambassador Blome discussed regional matters and underscored the importance of a continued partnership in the years to come.
