Baker urges US firms to tap Pakistan’s growing market potential

Celina Ali

Islamabad: US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker has called on American businesses to seize emerging opportunities in Pakistan’s economy, highlighting the country’s reform momentum and vast consumer market.

Speaking at a webinar organized by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), Baker underscored Pakistan’s strategic advantages, including its youthful population, competitive labor force, and geographic position linking key regional markets.

“This is the fifth-largest country in the world, home to 250 million people, with 64 percent of the population under the age of 30. It’s one of the world’s largest and youngest consumer markets. Pakistan’s GDP is about $412 billion, ranking 38th in the world, but Goldman Sachs projects it could reach $3.3 trillion by 2050,” she said.

The diplomat pointed to critical minerals, ICT, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure as priority sectors for U.S. investment. She praised the Sharif government’s efforts to foster an investor-friendly climate, noting that U.S. companies could play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s stability and growth.

Baker also encouraged firms to work with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service team in Pakistan and explore joint ventures with local partners. “Let’s use this moment to build profitable ventures for U.S. companies and investors, contribute to economic prosperity for both our nations, and deepen bilateral ties,” she added.