Natalie Baker says American innovation can help modernise Pakistan’s farm sector while boosting trade and investment
A photo of farmers working on their crop in Pakistan. Photo: APP/file
The United States on Thursday highlighted opportunities to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in agricultural technology, saying greater adoption of American innovation could help modernise the country’s farm sector while expanding bilateral trade and investment, according to an official release.
US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A Baker made the remarks during a Direct Line webinar organised by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) in collaboration with the US Embassy in Islamabad, the US Department of Commerce and the Government of Pakistan. The virtual event brought together American businesses and investors, Pakistani government officials and representatives of the agriculture sector.
“American agricultural innovation can help advance Pakistan’s efforts to modernise and facilitate technology integration by its agricultural sector while creating new commercial opportunities for both countries,” the US diplomat said while addressing the webinar.
According to the statement, Natalie said agriculture remained a key pillar of Pakistan’s economy, contributing nearly one-quarter of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supporting millions of livelihoods.
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She said Pakistan’s efforts to modernise its agricultural sector presented opportunities for American companies to introduce technologies and expertise in areas such as precision agriculture, advanced irrigation systems, digital farm management and cold chain logistics.
“American companies are well positioned to bring their expertise, technologies and decades of practical experience to the table,” she said, adding that such innovations could help improve productivity while conserving resources.
Natalie said the webinar formed part of the US Mission’s broader agenda to promote economic cooperation and expand commercial ties with Pakistan. She highlighted that in 2025, US exports to Pakistan soared over $1.5 billion in agricultural and related goods.
Meanwhile, participants from Pakistan outlined regulatory and policy measures aimed at facilitating greater imports of US agricultural products, including soybeans, cotton and planting seeds.
They also “encouraged greater US investment” in farm mechanisation, controlled-atmosphere storage, food processing, seed development and biotechnology.
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The US Chargé d’Affaires said American investment offered long-term benefits by combining technology transfer with local capacity-building and business partnerships. “When American companies bring innovative technologies to new markets, they share knowledge, train local partners, create lasting business relationships, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.”
The webinar also served as a preview of the US Department of Commerce’s Certified Agricultural Technologies Trade Mission to Pakistan, scheduled for October 26-30, and led by the BCIU.
Inviting American companies to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s agricultural technology and food processing sectors, Natalie described support for US businesses seeking to invest in Pakistan as “a core priority” for the embassy.
She also acknowledged the participation of the Government of Pakistan, provincial authorities from Punjab and Sindh, the Special Investment Facilitation Council, the Green Corporate Initiative and representatives of American businesses for their partnership.
