Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited American companies on Wednesday to exploit the mineral resources of Pakistan, highlighting the unexploited potential and strategic value in the sector.
The Prime Minister made these remarks at a meeting with an American delegation led by Erik Mayer, acting assistant secretary at the South and Central Affairs Bureau, US State Department. The Islamabad visit delegation to attend Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum.
Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the American presence at the Forum and stressed that the mining sector remains a higher investment priority for the country. He urged American companies to seize opportunities available for a mutual advantage.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States, in particular under the administration of President Trump, and has emphasized collaboration in trade, investment and the fight against terrorism.
Mayer congratulated Pakistan for successfully welcoming the forum and recognized the extent of the opportunity in the country’s mineral sector.
He expressed his American interest to deepen economic commitment and to expand bilateral links.
The meeting was also followed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar, the Minister of Economic Affairs Ahsan Cheema, the Minister of Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and senior officials, including the special assistant Tariq Fatemi.
Previously, Prime Minister Shehbaz has announced a renewed push to attract national and international investors in the mineral sector of Pakistan, aimed at unlocking his dollars estimated in unexploited reserves.
Addressing Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) in Islamabad on Tuesday, the Prime Minister expressed the confidence that to exploit the vast mineral wealth of the country could help reduce Pakistan’s dependence on world lenders, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He underlined the need to treat and export semi-finished and finished mineral products rather than sending raw materials abroad, claiming that this change would provide greater economic value and create jobs.
The Prime Minister also urged that all future investment agreements include provisions for technology transfer, guaranteeing long -term gains and capacity building in the Pakistani industrial sector.
