Natalie Baker’s Sindh Tour Underscores U.S.-Pakistan Trade and Technology Ties
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Natalie A. Baker concluded a week-long visit to Sindh Province, underscoring Washington’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, institutional development, and regional stability with Pakistan.
From January 25 to 31, Baker engaged with political leaders, business figures, educators, and community representatives across the province to advance shared U.S.-Pakistan priorities focused on economic growth, technological advancement, and mutual prosperity.
During her visit, Baker toured several major industrial and manufacturing facilities, including the state-of-the-art Continental Biscuits plant in Sukkur, a joint venture with U.S.-based Mondelez International. She highlighted the facility as a symbol of successful bilateral economic cooperation, noting that U.S. companies and technologies continue to support job creation, innovation, and modernization across Pakistan’s industrial sectors.
In Mirpurkhas, Baker visited a sugar mill along with an integrated ethanol, carbon dioxide, and paper production facility, where advanced technologies enhance efficiency and support exports linked to U.S. supply chains. She emphasized the importance of modern industrial practices in reducing waste, adding value, and connecting Pakistani producers to global markets. The visits also highlighted the role of strong agricultural inputs and the Indus River system in sustaining economic stability and long-term growth.
In Larkana’s Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Baker paid tribute at the Bhutto family mausoleum, acknowledging its historical and cultural significance in Pakistan’s political landscape.
Reflecting U.S. support for religious freedom and inclusive civic spaces, she met with Hindu community leaders to discuss interfaith harmony and the protection of civil liberties for all citizens.
Baker also visited Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad, highlighting the shared U.S.-Pakistan passion for sports. She noted that cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles illustrates how sports can foster cross-border connections and new opportunities. Hyderabad, she observed, is also set to host the Pakistan Super League’s newest franchise, to be developed by a U.S.-based investor.
Separately, as part of the U.S. Mission’s broader engagements in Sindh, Peter McSharry, Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, met with Sukkur Mayor Arsalan Shaikh and Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir to discuss local governance and the expansion of fair commercial ties. At Sukkur IBA University, he met students and faculty and reviewed the U.S.-funded STEMpowered initiative in partnership with Vanderbilt University, aimed at strengthening workforce readiness and supporting U.S.-led innovation.
The visit reaffirmed the United States’ long-term partnership with Pakistan, focused on strengthening institutions, enhancing self-reliance, and expanding shared prosperity, as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence.
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