ISLAMABAD: The United States has signalled a major push for long term strategic cooperation with Pakistan in the mining and industrial sectors, aiming to unlock the country’s vast untapped reserves of copper, gold, rare earth elements and other critical minerals while boosting skilled employment and technology transfer.
Speaking during a visit to the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission in Islamabad, US Acting Ambassador Natalie Baker said Washington viewed Pakistan as a key partner in future mineral driven economic growth. She said the next phase of bilateral cooperation would focus not only on extraction of natural resources but also on workforce development, industrial innovation and sustainable economic expansion.
During her visit to NAVTTC’s Centre of Excellence, the envoy reviewed advanced training programmes, internationally certified technical courses and industry linked skill development initiatives designed to prepare Pakistani youth for global employment markets. Officials briefed her on efforts to align vocational training with emerging industrial and mining sector demands.
Ms Baker said recent engagements with experts from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology had opened a new chapter in Pakistan United States collaboration. She emphasised that future cooperation would include modern mining technologies, safety systems, institutional strengthening and specialised technical education aimed at creating a globally competitive workforce.
Highlighting Pakistan’s enormous mineral potential, the envoy said the country possessed significant reserves of critical minerals that could become a driver of industrial growth and foreign investment. She noted that the United States was interested in helping Pakistan connect its mining sector with broader industrial development, skilled job creation and long term economic sustainability.
NAVTTC Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmed said Pakistan’s economic future depended on integrating technical skills with industry, innovation and international market requirements. She said stronger collaboration with global partners could help transform Pakistan into a regional hub for advanced technical training and industrial workforce development while opening new opportunities for young professionals.
