US Delegation to Visit Pakistan for Minerals Investment Forum
ISLAMABAD: A high-level US delegation, led by Eric Meyer, the State Department’s Senior Bureau Official for South and Central Asian Affairs, will visit Islamabad from April 8-10, 2025, to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s critical minerals sector and strengthen bilateral ties.
Key Objectives of the Visit:
✔ Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF25)
- Organized by OGDCL and the Government of Pakistan.
- Venue: Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad (April 8-9).
- Aims to showcase Pakistan’s 600,000 sq km of mineral-rich zones, including 92 known minerals (52 commercially extracted).
- Sector currently supports 5,000+ mines, 50,000 SMEs, and 300,000 jobs.
✔ Economic & Strategic Discussions
- Meyer will meet senior Pakistani officials to boost US investment in mining.
- Talks on counterterrorism cooperation expected.
✔ Addressing Trade Tensions
- Follows US imposition of 29% tariffs on Pakistani goods under Trump’s policy.
- PM Shehbaz Sharif has formed two special committees to formulate a response.
- Finance Minister Aurangzeb plans to lead a delegation to Washington for negotiations.
Why This Matters:
- Economic Opportunity: Pakistan seeks foreign investment to tap into its $6 trillion+ mineral reserves (including copper, gold, lithium).
- US-Pakistan Relations: Balancing trade disputes with strategic mineral partnerships.
- Global Interest: Forum to attract international investors amid Pakistan’s push for mining sector modernization.
