Usman Shaukat, president of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said US investment interest in Pakistan has surged after a high-level trade delegation visited the United States and held meetings with lawmakers, government agencies and business groups. Investors expressed keen interest in rare earth minerals, mining, information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, medical devices, construction and data infrastructure.
Shaukat stressed that unlocking substantial US investment will require structural economic reforms, targeted policy support and clear incentives for non-traditional sectors. He argued that focused measures for the mining sector and legal certainty are essential to position Pakistan as a competitive destination for global capital.
During the delegation’s encounters, US stakeholders repeatedly highlighted the importance of investor protection, policy continuity and reliable dispute resolution mechanisms. The RCCI delegation included leading business figures from IT, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, medical devices and construction, all of whom seek stronger bilateral ties and practical frameworks to advance trade and technology partnerships.
With bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United States standing at around $10 billion, Shaukat urged that strong diplomatic relations be leveraged to expand investment and technology collaboration. A major business conference scheduled in the United States on March 24 aims to bring prominent Pakistani businesspeople together to promote bilateral investment and concrete B2B linkages.
Shaukat noted that high medicine prices in the US present an opening for Pakistani firms in medical devices and health products, and several US states have signalled readiness to deepen trade relations. The chamber is pressing for rapid progress in business-to-business cooperation that can deliver mutual economic benefits.
Domestically, regulatory burdens, tax pressures and limited institutional support for small and medium enterprises remain obstacles to converting interest into projects. Shaukat called for effective mediation measures, confidence building and ongoing engagement with international institutions to enhance economic stability and business facilitation so that US investment can translate into sustainable jobs and growth for Pakistan.
