Lahore: US Consul General Lahore Stetson Sanders said on Wednesday that United States (US) values its longstanding economic partnership with Pakistan and remains committed to expanding trade, investment, and commercial engagement between the two countries, while the current period represents a unique moment in bilateral relations.
He stated that as Charge d Affaires Nathalie Baker recently observed, ‘These are probably the best diplomatic relations we’ve had in our history.’ The Consul General was speaking during his visit to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). He was accompanied by Chief of the Political and Economic Section Will Campbell, and his colleagues Amna Anis and Hassan Raza.
LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol welcomed the delegation, while LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi and Executive Committee Members were also present.
Consul General Stetson Sanders said, ‘Pakistan has talented entrepreneurs, young and dynamic workforce, and companies which continue to innovate despite significant challenges. Those strengths create opportunities not only within Pakistan, but also around the world.’
Reflecting on his year in Lahore, he noted that his travels across Punjab had allowed him to meet numerous young innovators and business leaders who continue to succeed despite regulatory and economic challenges.
Referring to the bilateral trade relationship, he noted that trade between the two countries reached approximately USD 8.7 billion during the last fiscal year, supported by strong Pakistani exports of textiles and manufactured goods. He also noted that there is significant potential to expand our relationship through increased investment, deeper commercial partnerships, and cooperation in areas such as technology, energy, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.
He further highlighted the importance of research and development, education, and workforce readiness. He stressed that businesses and industries represented by Lahore Chamber would play a critical role in achieving this objective.
Consul General Stetson Sanders also encouraged Pakistani businesses to engage with the US Commercial Service, in Lahore. He explained that the service helps connect Pakistani companies with American partners, facilitates technology exchanges, provides market intelligence, organizes trade delegations and supports participation in major US trade exhibitions. He said these initiatives are designed to help Pakistani companies identify suppliers, access technologies, establish strategic partnerships and explore investment opportunities in the United States.
Welcoming the US Consul General and his delegation, LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol acknowledged the Consul General’s extensive diplomatic experience spanning over two decades, including assignments in South Sudan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, India, and Spain.
LCCI President said that cooperation between Pakistan and United States in promoting peace and stability in the region has earned international appreciation. He noted that constructive role played by both countries in encouraging dialogue, supporting diplomatic solutions, and helping reduce tensions at critical moments has been widely recognized. He emphasized that Pakistan’s business community deeply values such efforts, as peace remains essential for economic development and global harmony.
Saigol said that United States remains Pakistan’s largest single export destination, receiving nearly 20 percent of Pakistan’s exports. He stressed that the strong trade relationship demonstrates significant potential for further expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. He called for enhanced collaboration between the Lahore Chamber and the US Consulate General to facilitate stronger commercial linkages and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Highlighting the importance of small and medium enterprises, he noted that SMEs contribute around 40 percent to Pakistan’s GDP and offer vast opportunities for bilateral cooperation. He emphasized the need to support SMEs through the adoption of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, e-commerce, and digital business platforms so that Pakistani enterprises can better access international markets, including the United States.
The LCCI President also underscored the importance of skill development and workforce training. He said Pakistan’s young and energetic workforce possesses immense potential and can benefit from cooperation in technical education, vocational training, and digital skills development. Such initiatives, he added, would help create employment opportunities, foster innovation, and support sustainable economic growth.
He further emphasized the need to assist Pakistani exporters in understanding international standards, certification requirements, and regulatory procedures necessary for entering the US market. While textiles remain Pakistan’s leading export sector, he identified IT services, agricultural products, engineering goods, surgical instruments, leather products, sports goods, and pharmaceuticals as sectors with strong export potential. He also pointed to opportunities for joint ventures in electric vehicles, mining, and maritime services. Expressing optimism regarding ongoing trade discussions, he hoped that tariffs on Pakistani exports would remain minimal and that bilateral economic cooperation would continue to expand.
