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ISLAMABAD:
The United States has approved a major financing package worth $1.25 billion to support the development of critical minerals at Pakistan’s Reko Diq site, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A Baker announced on Wednesday.
In a video message issued on X, Baker said the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM) had recently approved the financing that will significantly strengthen Pakistan’s mineral sector while deepening economic ties between the two countries.
“I am pleased to highlight that the US Export-Import Bank recently approved $1.25 billion in financing to support the mining of critical minerals in Reko Diq, Pakistan,” Baker said.
She added that in the coming years, EXIM’s project financing will help bring in up to $2 billion of high-quality US mining equipment and services needed to build and operate the Reko Diq mine.
According to the US envoy, the project is expected to create significant employment opportunities on both sides: around 6,000 jobs in the US and around 7,500 jobs in Balochistan, supporting local communities and contributing to regional economic growth.
Baker described the Reko Diq initiative as a model of mutually beneficial cooperation, saying it would “bring jobs and prosperity to both our nations” while supporting US exporters and strengthening Pakistan’s mining capacity.
She emphasized that the Trump administration had made the formation of such partnerships a central pillar of US diplomacy, particularly in sectors involving critical minerals that are vital to global supply chains.
“We look forward to seeing further agreements between US companies and their Pakistani counterparts in the critical minerals and mining sector,” she added.
The funding announcement marks one of the most significant US economic engagements in Pakistan’s minerals sector, signaling expanded bilateral cooperation at a time when global demand for critical minerals continues to rise.
Separately, the US Charge d’Affaires Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister called on Senator Ishaq Dar.
The DPM/FM highlighted the importance of close relations between Pak and US and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said in a press release.
They also discussed important regional and international developments.
Education, technical training
Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar on Wednesday held talks with a high-level US delegation to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation in education, technical training and emerging industries such as minerals and mining.
The meeting took place at the ministry after the inauguration of the new US Education Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) building in Islamabad. Both sides said the facility will strengthen academic advising, exchange programs and broader educational cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
