US Official Highlights Investment Potential in Pakistan’s Mineral Sector
ISLAMABAD:
A senior official from the Trump administration emphasized on Wednesday that Pakistan’s significant mineral resources could serve mutual interests, particularly as the United States prioritizes access to secure and diverse sources of critical minerals.
Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, concluded a two-day visit to Islamabad aimed at enhancing economic ties and encouraging American investments in Pakistan’s minerals sector.
According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy, the visit aimed to bolster U.S. business opportunities in Pakistan’s mining industry, strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, and reinforce ongoing collaboration in counterterrorism efforts.
On the sidelines of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, Meyer underscored the U.S. support for responsible and transparent development within Pakistan’s mineral sector.
“Critical minerals are essential to cutting-edge technologies. President Trump has prioritized securing these resources, and Pakistan’s mineral wealth—if developed responsibly—can be beneficial to both nations,” said Meyer.
The United States remains engaged with international stakeholders and Pakistani counterparts to explore avenues for investment, technical cooperation, and sustainable resource development in the mining industry.
During his visit, Meyer held meetings with several top Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik. Discussions centered on creating investment opportunities for American companies and furthering bilateral economic and security cooperation.
Meyer also engaged with foreign policy analysts, members of American business chambers, and alumni of U.S. public diplomacy initiatives, reaffirming the value of people-to-people connections between both nations.
The Prime Minister’s Office separately confirmed the meeting, during which PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed U.S. participation in the investment forum and encouraged American firms to invest in Pakistan’s mining sector. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the U.S. across trade, investment, and security.
In response, Meyer commended Pakistan’s efforts in organizing the investment forum and acknowledged growing U.S. interest in tapping into Pakistan’s untapped mineral reserves.
Meyer also visited General Headquarters (GHQ) to meet with COAS General Asim Munir. The meeting reflected on Pakistan’s efforts to develop its mineral wealth through strategic partnerships. The U.S. delegation expressed optimism about the improving investment climate and discussed broader regional security and global issues.
Both sides voiced support for strengthening the U.S.-Pakistan relationship through business-to-business (B2B), government-to-government (G2G), and people-to-people (P2P) engagements.
