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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 posted on
“I am pleased to highlight that the U.S. Export-Import Bank recently approved $1.25 billion in financing to support critical mineral mining at Reko Diq in Pakistan,” Baker said.
She added that in the coming years, EXIM’s project financing would help bring up to $2 billion in high-quality U.S. mining equipment and services needed for the construction and operation of the Reko Diq mine.
According to the US envoy, the project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities on both sides: approximately 6,000 jobs in the United States and approximately 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 countries” while supporting U.S. exporters and strengthening Pakistan’s mining capabilities.
She noted that the Trump administration has made establishing such partnerships a key pillar of U.S. diplomacy, particularly in sectors involving minerals critical to global supply chains.
“We look forward to seeing new agreements between American companies and their Pakistani counterparts in the critical minerals and mining sector,” she added.
The funding announcement marks one of the most significant U.S. economic commitments to Pakistan’s mining sector, signaling expanded bilateral cooperation at a time when global demand for critical minerals continues to rise.
Furthermore, the American charge d’affaires visited Senator Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The DPM/FM highlighted the importance of close relations between Pakistan and the United States and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a press release.
They also discussed key regional and international developments.
Education, technical training
Minister of State for Federal Education and Vocational Training Wajiha Qamar spoke with a high-level US delegation on Wednesday to explore avenues for deeper collaboration 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 building of the American Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) in Islamabad. Both sides said the center would strengthen academic advising, exchange programs and broader educational collaboration between Pakistan and the United States.
